The Catalan striker Eto’o has reportedly shocked Manchester City by demanding a pay packet of €1 million a month to join the club.

Manchester City have been linked with a move for the striker in recent months and, according to the News of the World, Eto'o has agreed to move, provided they can meet his wage demands.

The report reveals that such a salary would cost Manchester City £51 million in total and £200,00 a week in wages alone.

The tabloid goes on to quote Barcelona president Joan Laporta as admitting that they would like to keep Eto'o, but also saying that willn't be held to ransom by the 28 year old.

“A lot of clubs would like Samuel Eto'o in their team,” said Joan Laporta.

“We will do our best in order to renew his contract, because, in my opinion, he is the best forward in the world. But we have a wage structure that we will respect.

“We had like to renew the contract with Samuel Eto'o but not at any price. In this global economic crisis, we have to be an example as well. I hope he understands and we will see in the next weeks.”

Should Msnchester City agree to Samuel Eto’o's alleged wages request, it would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.

The Catalan striker Eto’o has reportedly shocked Manchester City by demanding a pay packet of €1 million a month to join the club.

Manchester City have been linked with a move for the striker in recent months and, according to the News of the World, Eto'o has agreed to move, provided they can meet his wage demands.

The report reveals that such a salary would cost Manchester City £51 million in total and £200,00 a week in wages alone.

The tabloid goes on to quote Barcelona president Joan Laporta as admitting that they would like to keep Eto'o, but also saying that willn't be held to ransom by the 28 year old.

“A lot of clubs would like Samuel Eto'o in their team,” said Joan Laporta.

“We will do our best in order to renew his contract, because, in my opinion, he is the best forward in the world. But we have a wage structure that we will respect.

“We had like to renew the contract with Samuel Eto'o but not at any price. In this global economic crisis, we have to be an example as well. I hope he understands and we will see in the next weeks.”

Should Msnchester City agree to Samuel Eto’o's alleged wages request, it would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.