Cruz set to ship out

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has admitted he will most likely have to make a difficult decision on whether to leave Ewood Park during the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old Paraguay forward has been the subject of transfer speculation since the summer with Manchester City, the club of his former boss Mark Hughes, with whom he is most frequently linked with a possible deal.

"Everybody knows my opinion (regarding a possible transfer), I am happy at Blackburn but also I want to keep improving my football and remain ambitious," he told radio Five Live. "I want to watch out for myself but I have to think of Blackburn. It is a very hard decision."

He added: "My contract with Blackburn is clear and for that I need to continue with the club.

"But I am looking to again play in a big side that is in Europe and trying to win their league.

"I have to say the people here at Blackburn are fantastic, I am very happy with the fans.

"But, I don't want to miss the chance of playing with a big side. If a bigger club came in for me then I would like to take that opportunity.

"I also understand the interests of Blackburn as well and they do not want to lose players."

Santa Cruz joined Rovers in the summer of 2007 following an injury-riddled spell at Bayern Munich.

He made an immediate impact in his first season, under Hughes, scoring 19 league goals to put his name back up in lights.