Eto'o-Ibrahimovic trade in the works

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jul 21, 2009

[TRANSFER WATCH] American-style player trades rarely take place in soccer, but Barcelona and Inter Milan have a blockbuster in the works: Inter will send Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barca in exchange for Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o and cash.

Ibrahimovic has been asking for a transfer for some time, but Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said it was his decision to move Eto'o, who has played a key role in Barca's recent success, scoring 107 league goals in five seasons at the Catalan club.

"It's simply a matter of feeling. I think we have to change things," Guardiola said. "It had nothing to do with soccer. strategy or any personal issue or attitude. Maybe I am wrong but it's my responsibility. It's my decision."

The deal is dependent on the players agreeing to terms on contracts with their new clubs.

"Negotiations continue, nothing is definite but I am confident," Inter president Massimo Moratti said. "We hope to be able to bring another champion to Inter and despite the words of Guardiola, we are convinced of his worth. Ibrahimovic is a great professional and I can not forget that thanks to his goals we won scudetti."

In the meantime, Ibrahimovic, who has won three Serie A titles and scored 57 goals in three seasons at Inter, remained with the Italian club, which is playing in the World Football Challenge in the USA.