Roque Santa Cruz has admitted that Manchester City strike partner Robinho wants desperately to sign for Barcelona.

The Brazilian forward has taken centre-stage at Eastlands recently for the rumours linking him to Barca, though neither the Sky Blues nor La Blaugrana have revealed anything concrete.

Santa Cruz has confirmed that Robinho has openly declared his desire to play for Barcelona, and that the players joke about it in training.

"Of course he talks to us about it," Santa Cruz told Catalunya Radio. "And the players are cracking jokes about it in the dressing room.

"In the English papers there's a lot of interest about Barca and Robinho is not hiding his desire to play for them one day.

"But I guess we'll see. It wouldn't be difficult (for him).

"To add a talent like Robinho to the quality of players they have would give a different air to Barca because he's got great ability and is a player who pleases crowds because of the way he plays.

"A player that good wouldn't have any problems being part of that side."

Robinho signed for Manchester City in the summer of 2008 for a British record fee of £32.5million but has had his career at Eastlands stalled by a plague of injuries since his arrival.

Mark Hughes' Sky Blues have endured a string of draws of late, but they might feel that they are adequate in the attacking department despite the absence of the Brazilian playmaker.

Robinho has featured only three times for City this term, against Blackburn and Wolves in the Premier League and against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup.