It appears that although Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce recently warned Manchester City it would cost £40 million to prise Roque Santa Cruz from Ewood Park, the Citizens are still keen to land him.
However, according to a report in the British tabloid the Daily Mail, City might have blown their chances of snaring the Paraguayan international after telling Rovers Daniel Sturridge will not be included as part of any deal.
While the 19-year-old is held in high regard at Eastlands, his contract is due to expire in the summer and he is apparently concerned that City's recent transfer activity could limit his first-team chances.
Allardyce is believed to be eager to have a replacement before allowing Santa Cruz to leave, but may accept an offer of £15m provided it includes Sturridge.
Aston Villa are also reportedly interested in the England under-19 international forward and could enter the race to secure his signature should Mark Hughes decide to let him go.
