Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester City misfit Roque Santa Cruz demands long-term Lazio deal
Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is ready to put his family first by turning down a move to Lazio unless they hand him a long-term deal.[LNB]The Paraguay striker has been cleared to leave Eastlands after failing to get a start in the Barclays Premier League this season.[LNB]Lazio are keen and are said to be close to an agreement with City on loan till the end of the season - for a £500,000 fee - that could be upgraded to a permanent deal for a further £2.5million.[LNB] Lazio bound? Roque Santa Cruz hasn't started a league match for City all season[LNB]However, Santa Cruz told a Paraguayan radio station: 'As far as Iknow, I am not a Lazio player and I will not accept a loan deal for sixmonths.[LNB]'I won't accept a loan and everyone who approaches my agent knowsthis. I can't leave England for six months. It would be hard for me andmy family. We are happy in England. Rome is a lovely city, but there isno need for us to move.'[LNB]The words are further encouragement for Fulham, who are also keen onthe 29-year-old, but question marks over Mark Hughes's future as bossat Craven Cottage could scupper a move.[LNB]There has also been interest from Germany, but Santa Cruz has beenconsistent in saying his preference would be to stay in England, afterfirst arriving at Blackburn from Bayern Munich in 2007.[LNB]City signed him for £18m in June 2009 and are set to take a huge financial hit on him.[LNB] Talking Italian: Man City outcast Santa Cruz set for January move to LazioManchester City rule out a cut-price loan for Wright-PhillipsSanta Cruz set to spark transfer tussle as Lazio and Inter eye Man City misfitEdin shoulders above the rest: Roberto Mancini makes first public declaration in pursuit of DzekoMANCHESTER CITY FC
