Barca won't be signing Baros - yet

Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed his club have been put off making an immediate bid for Liverpool striker Milan Baros – although he did not rule out a future move for the player.

Baros’ agent had earlier claimed the Catalan giants were “truly interested” in the Czech Republic player but Laporta was keen to quell rumours of an imminent offer.

The 22-year-old was the top scorer at Euro 2004 with five goals and Laporta told Spanish sports daily Marca: “Baros had a great tournament, and all great players have a chance of playing for Barca.

“But not this season. The high price makes signing him very difficult.”

Earlier, Marca reported that Barca and Liverpool had agreed a four-year deal in principle to take Baros to the Nou Camp, and the player’s agent Pavel Paska told reporters of Barca’s interest.

But Laporta said Samuel Eto’o – who is part-owned by Real Madrid and Real Mallorca – remained the club’s priority.

The Cameroon striker has spent the last four seasons on loan at Mallorca, where he scored 17 goals in 31 Primera Liga matches.

“Eto’o wants to play for Barcelona,” said Laporta.

“We are very pleased with his attitude; he wants to come here but the deal is very complicated.

“First, Real Madrid and Real Mallorca must reach an agreement on his situation.”