Eto'o looks assured of staying with Barcelona

Pep Guardiola is set to tell Samuel Eto'o that he has earned himself a place in the Barcelona squad for the new term after he added two goals to his impressive preseason tally.

The Blaugrana boss stated in his first press conference at the helm of the club last month that the Cameroonian international was not in his plans, but has now changed his mind.

While Eto'o's form has surprised many, it is the fact that Emmanuel Adebayor has now signed a new contract with Arsenal rather than try to force a move to Camp Nou that has helped change the coach's mind.

Before taking over, Guardiola is reported to have told the Barça board that he wanted a new striker that was powerful in the air and on the ground and pinpointed the Gunners' forward as his favorite.

Talks were held, but Arsenal would not lower its asking price and the Catalan club was not willing to break its financial structure to pry him away from the north London outfit.

That certainly helped Eto'o's cause, but the fact that he returned from a slightly extended summer holiday with a reneweed attitude has swayed Guardiola even further.

Although the duo denied any major rift, Eto'o was rumored to always be envious of the treatment afforded to Ronaldoinho and the fame he attracted and the fact he has gone has lightened his mood

The former Real Madrid and Real Mallorca forward felt that he was overshadowed despite also playing a major role in Barcelona's success when winning the title and the Champions League.

Two goals against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday meant that the striker is now the club's top scorer in pre-eason with five goals after in 160 minutes of play after he netted previously in games against Dundee United and Chivas.

Eto'o has two years left on his current contract at Barcelona and was always hoping to stay, meaning that whenever clubs asked about his personal demands, they were put off by his desire for $15.3 million a season.