Santa Cruz Plays Down Real Madrid Rumours

Unsettled Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz insists that reports of an offer from Real Madrid have been fabricated.

According to a report in British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Real Madrid were readying a bid of £18 million (€18.8 million) for the Paraguayan star, though it now appears very much that this was nothing more than a ploy to sugar up the sports pages.

"There is nothing official from Real Madrid, but it is logical that Roque is being linked to another club," Santa Cruz's father told teledeportes.com.

"If the chance appears and Blackburn agree to let him go I believe that he would prefer to sign for a team who are fighting for the likes of the Champions League or a domestic title."

"He talked with the new boss (Sam Allardyce) to tell him his desire to help the club. But I have no doubt that if Blackburn maintain their top-flight status there will be negotiations with other clubs."

"However, I do not know when. It could be in January or next June."