Roque KO's transfer talk

Blackburn striker still committed to Ewood cause

Last updated: 14th July 2008

Roque KO's transfer talk

Santa Cruz: Hot property

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Roque Santa Cruz is refusing to allow his head to be turned by the speculation that continues to surround his future.

The Blackburn striker enjoyed an exemplary debut campaign in English football last season, as he scored 23 goals to establish himself as one of the Premier League's hottest properties.

Mark Hughes' defection to Manchester City has seen the Welsh tactician be linked with a return to Ewood Park for Santa Cruz, who he brought to England last summer for a bargain £3.5million fee from Bayern Munich.

Manchester United have also been mooted as suitors should Cristiano Ronaldo move to Real Madrid, while it is a similar situation at Arsenal as Arsene Wenger contemplates a future without Emmanuel Adebayor.

However, while conceding interest from other clubs acts a motivating factor, the Paraguayan is concentrating all his thoughts - for now - on Blackburn.

Still focused

He told Paravision TV station: "A lot of people said my transfer to a bigger club was about to happen, but I live in the present and I'm focused on Blackburn.

"I'm happy for the good season that I had and the important goals that I scored.

"I am motivated by the other teams' interest, but if I am not transferred then I want to have the best possible season at Blackburn."