Anzhi star Samuel Eto'o came close to signing for AS Roma, it has been revealed.

The Cameroon international was targeted by the Giallorossi once it became clear that Barcelona were prepared to sell the striker.

"It was 5 July 2009," agent Ernesto Bronzetti told the Corriere dello Sport. "Eto'o, his representative and myself all went to Bruno Conti's house.

"The striker wanted to play for Roma, but the problem was his salary. He asked for €7.5m a season, but Roma said that such a wage would unbalance the dressing room."