Manchester City have agreed an 18million deal to sign Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn as they begin to build a squad to break into the Premier League’s top four.

Roque Santa Cruz admits he could have to stay at Blackburn unless a club match the 20million buy-out clause in his contract.

STEPHEN Warnock knows Sam Allardyce will have his work cut out replacing Roque Santa Cruz if the striker departs for Manchester City in the next few days.

Blackburn Rovers defender Stephen Warnock admits the club will find it very hard to replace Roque Santa Cruz.

MANCHESTER City look set to test Blackburn Rovers resolve once more with a fifth bid for Roque Santa Cruz.

Manchester City have made a fresh offer for Roque Santa Cruz to Blackburn, who are interested in Pascal Chimbonda, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan.

Blackburn have hinted they could be looking to cash in on Roque Santa Cruz to boost Sam Allardyce’s transfer kitty.

BLACKBURN Rovers believe the end of the Roque Santa Cruz transfer saga is in sight as their Premier League rivals finally start to close in on the Paraguayan striker.

Tottenham have joined the race for Blackburn’s want-away striker Roque Santa Cruz and are willing to offer 10million for him.

BLACKBURN Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz may have suggested that he wants to depart Ewood Park, but few expected him to be surveying the option of becoming the first Paraguayan rugby league player.