Barcelona president hints at Ronaldinho and Eto'o departures

Premier League clubs will be on high alert after Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted both Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o could be on their way out of the Nou Camp.

Speaking on Catalan TV show 'Gol a Gol', Laporta claimed the club were set to embark on "a new cycle" with the arrival of new coach Josep Guardiola, and insisted certain players would have to leave to make that possible.

Ronaldinho, 28, has been rumoured to be heading for the exit after a torrid season in which he has played just 11 games and has had questions asked about his lifestyle.

The playmaker has long been linked to either AC Milan or Inter but a price tag of €40m may be a stumbling block, with Manchester City thought to be poised to step in.

Laporta insists Ronaldinho will leave and should do so "with his head held high".

"Ronaldinho needs new challenges and it's normal that when a cycle ends the most emblematic people from that cycle leave," he said.

"I'd like him to go like (outgoing coach) Frank (Rijkaard), with his head held high, because he has given us so many glorious moments."

Cameroon forward Eto'o, who has been strongly linked to Tottenham, was also close to leaving the Nou Camp last summer and may have now played his last game for Barca.

"Eto'o is a player who is loyal to the club colours, who gives so much and who makes you love him," Laporta said.

"He has also been one of the most emblematic players of this cycle and if he has to go then he deserves to do so with his head held high too, and with honour."