So Roque Santa Cruz looks to have received his pressies early this year, after finally getting his wish at a move away from Ewood Park. Assuming he completes the formalities of a medical, he will be unveiled as Manchester City player in the next 24 hours.
The 27-year old was contracted to Ewood Park until 2012, but City looked to have exercised the £18 million buy-out clause that was stimulated in Santa Cruz’s contract when he initially signed for Rovers. Not a bad return for Blackburn, who bought Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich two seasons ago, for a mere £3.7 million.
Although he will not be easy to replace - Santa Cruz scored 29 goals in 70 games for Rovers – it will be a much needed boost to Big Sam’s transfer kitty.
Santa Cruz will be City’s second signing of the summer after Gareth Barry – will Tevez be the third?
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It looks like Tevez will be the third. News that he has enrolled his four year old daughter in a private school in Cheshire effectively end any speculation of a move to Chelsea.
With Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz up front for City and £200m of Sheikh Mansour’s dosh splashing about, fans expectations are high. Only a top four finish will secure Mark Hughes job next season.