New Santa Cruz bid rejected

Mark Hughes has confirmed Manchester City have had an improved offer for Roque Santa Cruz turned down by Blackburn.

City have been chasing Santa Cruz for much of the transfer window and went back with an increased bid for the Paraguayan yesterday, only for Rovers to say no.

“Yesterday afternoon we put an improved bid to Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz but it was rejected,” said Hughes.

Hughes confirmed City were still considering whether to pursue the matter any further, although Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce did suggest yesterday that the Blues would be wasting their time as he would not be able to get a replacement.

They may get more joy in the pursuit of goalkeeper Shay Given though.

The Ireland international is believed to have put in a transfer request at Newcastle last night and has made it clear he would like to join the Eastlands club.

Hughes wants Given’s experience to give City’s defence more solidity and now he is waiting for the Magpies to make contact.

“We have put in a bid for Shay but we are still waiting for an update,” he said.