Santa Cruz revels in City ambition

Roque Santa Cruz has revealed the top-four ambition driving on Manchester City.

Following the arrival of Gareth Barry for £12million last month, Santa Cruz became City's second major close-season signing on Monday - when he completed a £17million switch from Blackburn, on a reported five-year deal.

"The owners want the club to be more successful - they want to break into the top four," Santa Cruz told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"I spoke to the chairman and I know his ambitions are known to everybody at the club - he made sure that I know as well."

Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has given manager Mark Hughes the target of a top-six place to achieve.

However, given the money already invested in the Blues, it would be little surprise to see those aims lifted a touch.

Ironically, Santa Cruz could make his debut at Blackburn on the opening day of the new season - when a repeat of last term's ninth-place finish will not be tolerated.

"Everybody expects a lot - and the fact the club is signing big players, great players, shows we want to be as good as possible," he added.

"Everybody is talking about breaking the top four so once we get there, we need to keep looking forward and see what is the best we can get."