The rich yet relatively unknown Uzbek side hit the headlines last week as Samuel Eto’o visited their facilities not just for publicity reasons but also to discuss a possible short-term move to the ’Builders’ club.

As Goal.com exclusively revealed here, the 2007 Uzbek league runners-up are serious about landing the Cameroonian for three or six months in order to aid their challenge towards both the domestic title and the Asian Champions League.

A spokesperson for the club said, "This Wednesday we will know whether or not Eto’o will be at Kuruvchi until the end of the season.

"We want him to help us win the league for the first time and also to aid us in the Champions League."

Pep Talk

Meanwhile Barcelona coach Josep ’Pep’ Guardiola has refused to treat Samuel Eto’o any differently to the rest of the squad despite continued reports about the player’s imminent departure from Camp Nou.

As Barça arrive in Scotland for their pre-season tour, Guardiola is adamant that Eto’o’s contribution will match the rest of the squad.

"He’s a member of the squad list," Pep told Sport.es.

Nonetheless it is thought that Samuel will play only a modest role, if any, under Guardiola.