Man U in swap talks with RVN for Eto'o

Manchester United are in talks with Barcelona over a sensational swap deal involving Ruud van Nistelrooy and crack Cameroon ace Samuel Eto'o.

The Sun says United have offered Van Nistelrooy to Barcelona for Eto'o as it emerged this week that the Dutch ace has had showdown talks with manager Sir Alex Ferguson about his future at Old Trafford.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta would love to bring Van Nistelrooy to the Nou Camp, knowing full well that he is also on the shopping list of bitter rivals Real Madrid.

While Laporta and coach Frank Rijkaard have publicly backed Eto'o this season, the African's fiery temperament has seen him clash with management in recent months and the opportunity to swap the former Mallorca star for Van Nistelrooy will prove tempting for both men.

That would be a cracking swoop for United. But Barcelona must be confident that they can get his goals back if they accept this bid. Eto'o has proved to Barca he can score, but this season Ruud has done the complete opposite.