Santa Cruz claims Lazio talks

Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz claims he is now back in talks with Lazio after previously snubbing a loan move.

Santa Cruz is expected to leave City during the January transfer window after making just one substitute's appearance in the Premier League this season.

A clutch of clubs are understood to be

keen to keep the Paraguayan in England with former club Blackburn and Fulham among those linked.

However, there is also interest in the ex-Bayern Munich forward from Germany and Italy, with Lazio particularly keen on a deal.

They revealed last week that the 29-year-old had turned down a loan move to Stadio Olimpico as he only wants to leave City on a permanent basis.

It now appears as though Lazio are ready to offer Santa Cruz a full-time deal after the player suggested he "can't wait" to join the Serie A side.

Quoted in La Repubblica, Santa Cruz said: "I am talking to Lazio and I can't wait to land in Italy and wear the blue and white shirt."