Blackburn

Santa Cruz To Request Transfer From Blackburn Rovers

Just days after he attempted to quash rumours of his imminent move to Eastlands, Blackburn's star striker is reportedly ready to leave the club...

Dec 3, 2008 5:43:14 AM

EPL: Roque Santa Cruz , Manchester City - Blackburn Rovers (PA)

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EPL: Roque Santa Cruz , Manchester City - Blackburn Rovers (PA)

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Roque Santa Cruz

According to the Daily Mail, Blackburn Rovers hitman Roque Santa Cruz will formally request to be transferred to Manchester City next month.

The Sky Blues have been chasing the Paraguayan international since the summer, when Mark Hughes took up the managerial reins shortly after ending his four-year stint at Ewood Park.

City, then under the ownership of Thai fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra, tabled a £12 million offer for the Asuncion native, but Rovers responded by shackling him to a new long-term contract.

But after a whirlwind debut term in the Premier League, which saw him finish the 2007-08 season with 23 goals in all competitions, Santa Cruz has become unsettled at Blackburn.

Recent reports claimed that the former Bayern Munich man had told his friends that he regretted committing his future to the Lancashire club, who are currently mired in the relegation zone with three wins from 15 games.

Hughes will no doubt attempt to capitalise on this situation - and, with the backing of the enormously wealthy Abu Dhabi United Group, the odds are stacked firmly in City's favour.

It is understood that the Citizens will offer £15 million plus right-back Nedum Onuoha for Santa Cruz's services.

Kieran Quentin, Goal.com