Inter confirm Ibrahimovic talks with Barca

Inter Milan have confirmed they are in talks with Spanish champions Barcelona over the potential transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Internazionale president Massimo Moratti has been locked in negotiations with Barca counterpart Joan Laporta over a cash plus player deal that could see Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o heading to Italy.

" ...they [Barcelona] were interested to know something about Ibrahimovic and to talk about Eto'o, two players at the same level," Moratti said. "There is the possibility to do an operation with these two players."

"What are the odds of Ibrahimovic leaving Inter? I don't like to frame things this way, I don't know right now, we'll have to wait and see what the player wants.

"In any case, if the matter should be taken all the way to completion, then Eto'o would be in the deal."

Reports in both Spain and Italy suggest the clubs are very close to agreeing a deal which would see Inter receive €40m plus Eto'o and former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb on loan for a year.

Ibrahimovic, who finished as the top scorer in Serie A last season, has been at the centre of transfer speculation in recent months with Barca, Real Madrid and Manchester United all reportedly interested.

The 27-year-old is under contract with the Nerazzurri until June 2013 but earlier this year expressed his desire to leave the club.

"With regards to Ibrahimovic I think it's an issue that has arisen because of the wishes of the player,'' said Moratti.

The Inter president would welcome the arrival of Cameroon international Eto'o, who has failed to agree a contract extension with Barca with his current deal ending next summer.