Tottenham continue to lead the race for Samuel Eto'o after outbidding AC and Inter Milan but fear it could take some time for a deal to be agreed.

Reports in Spain suggest Spurs have offered Barcelona £24million for the striker - £8m more than the Italian clubs are prepared to pay.

Spurs are also willing to break their wage structure and give the Cameroon international £107,000 a week.

Head coach Juande Ramos wants Eto'o to replace Dimitar Berbatov if the Bulgarian leaves as expected and the club have reportedly been looking for sponsors to help with his wages.

Spurs are braced for a long fight for Eto'o since they are not in the Champions League next season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted today Eto'o and Ronaldinho could leave this summer and said: "If they have to go then they deserve to do that with their heads held high."