[jbryant1]

Eto'o out, so Milan go Brazilian
channel4
Tuesday 17 July, 2007
Barcelona have slammed the door on Milan’s Samuel Eto’o bid, so their attention turns towards Alexandre Pato and Julio Baptista.

The Rossoneri named Eto’o as one of their prime targets and there were reports today that a £28m bid had been tabled.

However, this evening Barca President Joan Laporta responded to the interest in the Cameroon striker.

“Eto’o is not for sale. This coming season Barcelona’s front line while be a poker of stars – Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Eto’o.”

FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti also doubts that Milan could get their hands on the African hitman.

“I really doubt Eto’o will join Milan. Barcelona have no intention of selling their forward,” he noted.

So Carlo Ancelotti and transfer guru Adriano Galliani must turn their attention to other targets.

Already having a squad packed with Brazilians, they are again looking to the South American nation for reinforcements.

Milan’s interest in Under-20 World Cup starlet Pato is well known and they face a battle with Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid for his services.

A new name to add to the list is Julio Baptista, who scored a sensational goal in Brazil’s 3-0 Copa America Final victory over Argentina on Sunday.

He spent this season on loan at Arsenal, but is still owned by Real Madrid and would be happy to accept the San Siro switch.

An attacking midfielder, he could allow Kaka to move further up the field to continue his goal-scoring exploits.