Laporta saddened by Eto'o.

Barcelona top man Joan Laporta admits he is disappointed and saddened at the way the Sammy Eto'o transfer opera has been staged. The Cameroon international has been targeted by Manchester City for a move to The Eastlands costing £25million. But Laporta insists he would be happy if Eto'o would remain at Barcelona and has actually offered him a new two-year deal.

The player's agent, Josep Maria Mesalles, revealed the Spanish champs had told him twice in recent weeks that the forward was not needed at the Nou Camp. He also described Laporta's claims that 29 year old Eto'o made astronomical wage demands as "absolutely false". But the Cameroon hotshot has hit back at those claims.

He said: "His representative and Samuel have said that he wants to continue and the club have offered him a contract renewal with the same conditions that he had, which we believe are very good. "I think that what his representative is doing is not helping Samuel. It's a mistake to take the debate in the media. It's not doing the player any favours.

Personally this matter has left me a little disappointed, it saddens me because I hold Eto'o in high esteem. "I would like, in the same way as I've said how up until now he has given a lot to Barca, that Eto'o reflects on what Barca have given him. I will do everything possible to find the best solution for the club and for Eto'o. It would be best for both parties."

I think it's a shame that this is going on in Barcelona because it might make a rift in the Barca camp and that's what they don't need. Real are signing anyone they can and seem to be in good spirits because of it. I think Eto'o is a top notch striker and deserves respect. But at the same time both Eto'o and Barcelona need to sort this out before the start of the season, or they could risk disrupting an outstanding team.