Eto'o's contract expires at the end of next season and with Barca keen to avoid losing one of their principle assets on a free transfer, it had been expected Eto'o would move on this summer.

But after a season in which Eto'o contributed 36 goals as Barca claimed an unprecedented treble - winning the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League - club president Joan Laporta is hoping the 28-year-old will sign a new contract.

He told the club's official website, www.fcbarcelona.com: "We're trying to find a way in which he can stay."

Eto'o's agent Josep Maria Mesalles and Barca director of football Txiki Begiristain met yesterday with a view to finding a resolution, although Mesalles insisted his client would keep his options open.

"We're happy with the club and we have a good relationship, but we're not ruling anything out," he said.

"We want to stay with Barca, but if a crazy offer comes in and pays the buy-out clause, then the player would earn a lot."