Manchester City link does not surprise Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz, who has also been reported to be a target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old Paraguayan striker is now looking to have talks with Rovers boss Paul Ince to put an end to speculation around his future, but stressed that Mark Hughes’ replacement at Ewood Park is keen to keep him.

Santa Cruz told La Nacion: “I am not surprised because Mark Hughes (current City boss) was my coach at Blackburn and it would represent good money for the club when you look at what they paid for me.”

“I think it [a move] is unlikely because my new manager Paul Ince has already said that he doesn’t want to sell me,” continued Santa Cruz.

“I still haven’t spoken to him since I returned from Paraguay but when I have the opportunity I will speak with them.

“The league starts again on August 16, my birthday, and I hope by then it will all be sorted out.”

Hughes had signed Santa Cruz for £3.3 million from Bayern Munich last summer and the striker repaid the then Rovers boss with 23 goals in his debut season.