Fulham Football Club News

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Hughes keen on Santa Cruz reunion

30 Oct 2010 - 10:30:08

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Fulham manager Mark Hughes has admitted he would love to sign Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz in the January transfer window.

Hughes first worked with the Paraguay international when he coached Blackburn Rovers and later splurged £17.5million for his services when he was handed the reins at Manchester City.

With the 29-year-old behind the likes of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Jo and Mario Balotelli in Roberto Mancini's pecking order, Hughes has revealed his admiration and desire to link up with him for a third time.

"I'm interested in players of the quality of Roque," Hughes said. "My interest in him before was there for everybody to see.

"Whether we pursue that in January is open to debate. I'm not aware that he's available. That might change, but I don't like discussing players by name before we've actually signed him.

"This time in the transfer window we want to target players quite early so that we are ready to flick the switch when the window opens."

The Welshman is also keen to bring striker Andrew Johnson back into the fold after making his long-awaited comeback in last weekend's 2-1 loss at West Bromwich Albion, but he admits he will not be rushed into the starting line-up.

He added: "Andy's available for selection. He did very well against West Brom but we don't want to rush him.

"It's important for Andy to know in his own mind that he's fit and well, but he's done everything we've asked of him.

"He played another game behind closed doors on Tuesday but he's probably not ready for 90 minutes. We must filter him back into the group as carefully as we can."