London, July 12 (IANS) Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o is still hopeful that he would get a deal from English champions Manchester United.
Eto’s agent Josep Maria Mesalles is optimistic that Manchester United will make a formal bid of 18 million pounds for the Cameroon player.

The development comes after Manchester City ended negotiations with Eto’o Friday evening after having made a bid of 25.5 million pound. Eto’o has only a year left on his contract with the European champions.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that Manchester United would be able to get Eto’o for significantly cheaper than City because the 28 year-old is eager to play in the Champions League.

Alex Ferguson is also an admirer of the player, who scored the opening goal against Manchester United in Barcelona’s 2-0 Champions League final victory in May.

Eto’o’s relationship with Barcelona has deteriorated and in resulted in his rejection of a proposed contract extension - sent by text message.

Barcelona are also desperate to sell Eto’o and Valencia’s David Villa is their first-choice replacement.

Eto’o’s options are also limited as AC Milan have signed Brazil striker Luis Fabiano from Sevilla while Inter Milan and Chelsea have also stopped showing interest for the player.