Real Madrid offer Woodgate, Owen for Barcelona's Eto'o

Real Madrid general manager Arrigo Sacchi is preparing a sensational first signing to announce his arrival in Spain.

Sacchi is lining up an approach for Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o - and is prepared to send Jonathan Woodgate, Walter Samuel and Michael Owen in the opposite direction to land the Cameroon dazzler.

Eto'o was tied to Real up until last summer when president Florentino Perez chose to sell their 50 per cent share in his registration to Barcelona. Sacchi has privately berated Perez for the decision and is now determined to bring the African ace back to Madrid.

Perez has given Sacchi the green light to reignite the feud between Spain's great heavyweights, says AS, though this blow will not resemble Luis Figo's defection as Real will send three senior players to the Nou Camp in exchange.

Barca are desperate to reinforce their injury-ravaged squad, but do not have the available funds to make the necessary signings. Woodgate, who is not Cup-tied to the Champions League, and Samuel would be welcomed by Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.

The decision to also offer Owen is to lessen the blow of losing Eto'o. The England striker would be tabled by Real as a direct replacement for Eto'o.

The mega player swap is seen as the only way to tempt Barca into parting with Eto'o in January. The Cameroon international's buyout clause is set at £100 million - too rich for even Real.