BARCELONA and Inter-Milan have reached an agreement in principle to exchange Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Barca forward Samuel Eto'o plus cash.

The conclusion of the deal depends on the Sweden and Cameroon international strikers agreeing personal terms, said Barca president Joan Laporta.

Barca did not specify the amount of cash involved but Spanish media reported it was about 40 million euros ($81.6m) and that Barca's Belarus midfielder Aleksandr Hleb would be heading to Inter on loan as part of the deal.

Laporta, though, insisted a final deal had not been completed and the club was still considering other options, including the purchase of Valencia striker David Villa.

'The Ibrahimovic deal is not done and dusted and it would be too early to say which of the two options is the most satisfactory,' Laporta said.

'In the end we will choose the option that is best for Barca.'

Ibrahimovic would be Barca's second signing of the close season following their purchase of Inter's Brazilian left back Maxwell, which was completed last Friday for a fee of 4.5m euros rising to a possible 5m euros.

Barca's arch rivals Real Madrid have spent more than 200m euros bringing in players including Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil playmaker Kaka and France ace Karim Benzema. -- Reuters.