Blackburn Rovers have turned down a bid from Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz and have blasted their rivals for their persistence in chasing the Paraguayan international.Santa Cruz has been linked with a number of clubs this summer - including City's neighbours Manchester United. A statement on Rovers' website read: 'A bid came in last night and it was immediately rejected.
Various Manchester City officials have been advised on a number of occasions that the player would not be for sale. 'We are very disappointed, therefore, that they have continued their interest.'
News of a bid from City would seem to fly in the face of recent speculation about a cash crisis at Eastlands following club owner Thaksin Shinawatra's attempt to gain political asylum in England. City are believed to have tabled a bid worth £12m for the striker's services.
With Manchester City's current situation it would be madness to move for Santa Cruz to move to them. At £12 million, a player like Santa Cruz is a real bargain buy and I feel he is capable of succeeding at a big club
I would expect Santa Cruz to demand a move in the next day or two. Surely anyone with any ambition would rather move to a bigger club than stay at a club that may well be looking at a relegation battle this season. I'd genuinely love to see Blackburn do well this year but with Paul Ince at the helm I think Blackburn fans could be in for a very long season.
Will Santa Cruz make it into your team? Then join the Daily Mirror's, You the Manager (through the link at the top). At £6 million he is surely a massive bargain.