Manchester City have taken a big step forward in their bid to land Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

The Mail on Sunday says Eto'o has begun negotiations with Manchester City in earnest, representing a significant step for Mark Hughes, who has already secured Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.

Barcelona have long been desperate to offload Eto'o, whose contract expires next summer and who is likely to be absent throughout January to play for Cameroon in the Cup of African Nations.