Manchester City are currently the hot favourites to sign Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz, a longtime target.

City manager Mark Hughes has been trying to land his former hitman since taking over at the City of Manchester Stadium, if the Manchester Evening News is to be believed.

Santa Cruz had struggled in the last campaign, with his season plagued by injury. However, Hughes sees the £15 million forward as his answer to add some power upfront.

Blackburn are resigned to selling the Paraguay international, but would demand £15 million in compensation.  The Rovers were demanding approximately £20 million in January, when transfer fees were inflated.

City are allegedly putting Santa Cruz through a series of tests, after persistent knee problems kept the striker out for most of the season.

Santa Cruz could move as soon as this week, after his customary summer holiday.