AC Milan favors Eto'o signing ahead of Ronaldinho

MADRID, Spain (AP) - AC Milan would prefer to sign FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o than his teammate Ronaldinho.

With Barcelona expected to offload both players as part of a revamp under new coach Pep Guardiola, Milan general manager Ariedo Braida said the Cameroon international's characteristics would be more suitable for his team.

"We need Ronnie less than Eto'o," Braida said Sunday. "Eto'o is a great player, but it won't be easy because I suspect we'll have to pay a lot of money. Anyway, everything is possible in soccer."

Barcelona, which has not won a major trophy since the 2006 Champions League title, would reportedly seek €40 million (US$63 million) for the 27-year-old Eto'o, a three-time African player of the year who has scored 77 league goals in his four seasons with the club.

Ronaldinho, whose star has fallen this season amid doubts about his temperament, would likely command a lesser fee. The Brazilian, a two-time world player of the year, is also a year older than Eto'o.

Milan is seeking reinforcements after failing to reach next season's Champions League, the seven-time European champion only managing a fifth-place finish in the Serie A.

On Friday, Milan vice president Adriano Galliano held talks with Barcelona officials reportedly over Eto'o, Ronaldinho and defender Gianluca Zambrotta.

Braida confirmed Milan's interest in Italy defender Zambrotta, who looks set to end a two-year stay at Barcelona.

"Now, the difference is only in terms of price," Braida said.

Milan is believed to have offered €8 million (US$12.6 million) but Barcelona is seeking €12 million (US$18.9 million) for Zambrotta, who is interested in the move.

"I'm happy in Spain and Barcelona is a great club with which you can take on great challenges, but the desire to return to Italy is always strong," Zambrotta said.

Barcelona, which is also expected to sell Portugal midfielder Deco, is close to signing Mali midfielder Seydou Keita from Sevilla and Catalan defender Gerard Pique from Manchester United.

Guardiola, who has replaced Frank Rijkaard, is also said to be interested in a host of other players, such as Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor at Arsenal and Uruguay defender Martin Caceres from Villarreal, who spent the season on loan with Recreativo Huelva.