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Santa Cruz snubs loan move

Image: Santa Cruz: Not in Mancini's plans

Man City striker Roque Santa Cruz has snubbed a loan move to Lazio because he wants a permanent deal.

Paraguayan wants permanent route out of Eastlands

Out-of-favour Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has snubbed a loan move to Lazio because he wants a permanent deal, according to the Italian club. The Paraguayan does not feature in the plans of Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini and the Premier League title contenders want to make room for Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko. Talks have been taking place with Serie A side Lazio regarding Santa Cruz, who was signed by former City boss Mark Hughes, but a six-month loan appears unlikely. "We take into account Santa Cruz's reaction and his desire to make any transfer permanent," Lazio president Claudio Lotito is quoted as saying by Italian media. "We are aware of this and consider it a wise decision for him. It's no coincidence that Lazio seek a strong rapport with their players and therefore understand his questions and ambitions." Meanwhile, Lotito insists that Romanian defender Stefan Radu is not for sale amid reports of interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona. He said: "As for Stefan Radu, he is not for sale."

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