Barcelona hold out on Eto'o's demand for cut of the fee

Barcelona have pledged to stand their ground amid reports that striker Samuel Eto'o is demanding three million euros following his move to Internazionale.

Eto'o left the Camp Nou in a swap deal which brought Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the Spanish and European champions during the summer.

The Cameroon striker is reported to be holding out for a percentage of the estimated 20million euro fee which took him to Inter.

Players normally receive 15 per cent of the fee when transferred between two Spanish clubs and Barca have pledged to stand firm after claiming their former striker is owed nothing.

"We are going to defend our interests," said a club spokesman.

However, the stand-off could end up in court after a precedent was set when Albert Luque demanded and was subsequently awarded two million euros following his own transfer from Deportivo de La Coruna to Newcastle United in 2005.

Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain admitted that he was surprised by the latest turn of events, telling Sport: "We were surprised. It is an unpleasant fact because we thought that everything had ended well.

"I do not understand this complaint and it is clear that we will end up in court. Eto'o had not communicated anything to us and I do not know if he will be well received now."

Valencia coach Unai Emery has attempted to draw a line under the row sparked by David Villa's weekend criticism of his tactics.

Emery and the Spain striker appeared to be on collision course after a frustrated Villa blamed Sunday's 2-2 draw with ten-man Sporting Gijon on negative coaching.

Villa has since apologised for his outburst and Emery claims the matter is now closed.

"The business regarding Villa is a matter that has been discussed and clarified," he said.

"I have total faith in the squad and the path that we are on, in the philosophy of this team and the players. It's a chapter that is totally closed."

On his own future, he added: "My responsibility is to take Valencia as far as possible.

"Everyone has their opinions, what I'm focused on is my job. My biggest concern is preparing for the game (against Getafe on Wednesday evening) as well as possible.

"For all the other things I have no time."