Wednesday 13th August 2008
No Roque and roll for Man City
Mark Hughes has inquired about his former hitman Roque Santa Cruz and has been told to forget about a transfer.
The current Manchester City manager signed the Paraguayan international for a bargain when Santa Cruz joined Blackburn for US$7.6 million from Bayern Munich last summer.
Hughes would like the US$28 million forward, who plundered 19 goals in his first season in the Barclays Premier League, to form a devastating strike partnership with new arrival Jo.
However, Sparky's pipe dream has been put to rest by Blackburn chief John Williams, who told his former employee that Santa Cruz is not for sale.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have denied any detrimental effects brought about by owner Thaksin Shinawatra.
The former Thai prime minister is residing in England after failing to make a court appearance on corruption charges and has US$1.6 bliion in assets frozen by the authorities.
"It's business as usual. We do not rely on Dr Thaksin's money," said Chief executive Garry Cook.
Hughes has himself denied any notion that he could walk away from the Sky Blues after less than three month on the job.
"There have been a lot of rumours flying around but I am not going anywhere and don't anticipate going anywhere," said the Welshman.
In other news, current Blackburn boss is ready to hand Robbie Fowler a contract, saying, "He'll always score goals."
espnstar.com
