Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz has revealed that he is not surprised to be linked to Manchester City, where former Rovers boss Mark Hughes is now the manager.

26-year-old Santa Cruz joined Blackburn from Bayern Munich in 2007, becoming an instant success at Ewood Park, scoring 19 goals in his debut season in the Premier League.

City manager Hughes is believed to be considering an offer for the forward he brought to the Premiership, with it thought that the Paraguayan International would cost in the region of £15million to bring to the Eastlands Stadium.

However, Hughes is not alone in his admiration of the prolific forward, with Premier League rivals, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all linked with the Paraguayan this summer.

Santa Cruz is aware that new Blackburn boss Paul Ince wants to keep him at Rovers, with the player mow wanting showdown talks with Ince to sort out his future.

“Mark Hughes was my manager at Blackburn, so I am not surprised by this,” Santa Cruz said.

“It would represent good money for the club, but Paul Ince has said he doesn't want to sell me.

“I hope by the time the League starts this will all be sorted out.”