''Stratospherical''. No, not the new name for Sky Sports' weekend when the big four all play each other, but the bid that Manchester City have launched for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

Joan Laporta - he of all things Camp Nou - has made it clear that he wants Eto'o to stay, but would understand completely if the Cameroon forward left Spain to become the highest paid player in the world at Eastlands. £200k a week is the figure rumoured to be involved, but you have to question whether that total is worth it when you sign for a club who has not made it into Europe. Playing with Lionel Messi or Robinho? I know which one I'd choose.

Eidur Gudjohnsen looks likely to leave the European Champions and admits that a return to England is "probably inevitable" - although City are not that keen with this link. Preferring the bloke that scored 30 goals in 36 games, over the one that made just 11 starts all season.

It's somewhat surprising that the future of Franck Ribery hasn't been linked with a move to Eastlands, but instead the back pages have been splashed with Man Utd and Real Madrid interest. Indeed, Madrid have just been linked with a 32m euros bid for the striker; although now it's time to add another club, as Arsenal are apparently keen to get involved.

Nevermind that Arsene Wenger has shown a complete lack of interest when it comes to spending big money, it sounds good. But if you're keen on something with a big more substance then links with Lyon striker Karim Benzema could be closer to the mark as the Gunners might have an Emmanuel Adebayor-shaped hole to fill up front next season.

The reason for this is that AC Milan target Edin Dzeko has revealed he will be staying at Wolfsburg, and the Rossoneri watched their other target Luis Fabiano fail to score against South Africa in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. Therefore, a shortlist of three appears now to be a shortlist of one - with £25m quite enough to persuade Le Prof that he should sell.

Adebayor has also been linked with Chelsea, but he might not fancy a move to Stamford Bridge after the nasty things Luiz Felipe Scolari has been saying. Big Phil hit out at Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Petr Cech over a lack of respect when he was boss and it could serve as a warning to other potential Blues' targets over what really goes on in the dressing room.

Ahead of the Confederations Cup final, U.S. midfielder Clint Dempsey is keen to tell the world that he won't be leaving Fulham and has shocked everyone by actually THANKING the club for making him a better player. Makes a change from those who arrive for pittance, are sold at a huge profit and take all the credit for their development themselves.

This summer should see a few clear-outs as clubs try to tighten their belts. Middlesbrough misfit Mohamed Shawky could be one of the first out of the door as he is being targeted by Egyptian champions Al-Ahly.

Alvaro Arbeloa could be on his way out of Liverpool - making room for Glen Johnson; while City's Richard Dunne is interesting Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur as he doesn't look like he'll get much first-team action at Eastlands next season.

Over in Europe, Barcelona might ship out Eto'o and Gudjohnsen, but they also need to make space for Brazil youngster Keirrison, so Belarus flop Alex Hleb could be gone. Aston Villa are one of the clubs holding their hands up highest, but you'd imagine Bayern Munich might fancy joining the race if a certain Mr Ribery decides to seal his move out of Germany.