It’s clear that one of Mark Hughes’ top priorities in January is a decent striker to go alongside Jo, and the Welshman will be encouraged by the latest comments from a player he managed until recently. Once again, take a footballer out of the UK and you’re guaranteed to hear them reveal more than they would in front of the English press.

Sky Sports report that Roque Santa Cruz has been speaking in rather flattering terms about Manchester City, while also stating that he is happy at Blackburn. Nevertheless, Paul Ince might not be too happy to hear his striker’s latest comments, where RSC reveals that he wants to play for a team with objectives that stretch a little further than staying afloat in the Premier League!

“Manchester City is a team that has a very important financial support that is getting prepared for winning the title,” Santa Cruz told radio station Primero de Marzo.

“I am very happy at Blackburn but I like the idea of playing for a team that will be fighting for important objectives.

“I will keep on doing what I do at Blackburn but if the coach of Manchester City is interested in me I would like to join Robinho in that team. He is a wonderful player and I would like to play next to him.”

While Blackburn are currently one point ahead of City in the Premier League, the Eastlands outfit certainly are the ones with greater potential, since being bought by the Abu Dhabi consortium in September. Would Manchester City supporters like to see Santa Cruz arriving in January? He’s proven that he can score lots of goals in the Premier League, and you suspect he’s warming to the idea of playing for his former manager.

Discuss the latest transfer gossip at the Brand New COS forum!