Real involved in bidding war for 'their' striker Eto'o

Real Madrid are involved in a bidding war with arch rivals Barcelona for African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o.

Real loaned out the Cameroon striker to Real Mallorca in 2000 retaining a 50 percent stake in him, yet after Eto'o's brilliant form last season they now want him back.

Since his move the 23-year-old has struck form with a vengeance, scoring 54 league goals.

Mallorca president Mateo Alemany, enjoying watching the fierce auction for his prize asset, told a press conference here Tuesday: "Real have made a slightly bigger offer than Barcelona."

According to press reports Barca are prepared to go to 16 million euros for the Cameroonian.