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Ince: Villa can't afford Roque

23 Oct 2008 - 08:06:16

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Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince claims reported suitors Aston Villa can not afford the fee it would take to lure Roque Santa Cruz away from Ewood Park.

The Paraguay striker has been linked with both Villa and Manchester City in recent weeks and added fuel to the fire after reportedly claiming he was interested in joining a side in contention for silverware earlier in the month.

Last season's 23-goal top-scorer subsequently denied making such comments and Ince has again claimed that the striker, who signed a new four-year deal in August, is staying with Rovers.

Santa Cruz has netted 25 goals in 51 appearances since his arrival from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2007.

"Villa can't afford him," Ince told The Sun.

"When it gets near to the transfer window, people start coming out with all these things.

"Roque signed a four-year deal, he came out and said he loves it at Blackburn. He wants to stay here and we want him to stay here.

"Until that changes, that's the only situation that matters."