Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz is ready to join Manchester City.

The Manchester Evening News says Santa Cruz is set to trigger an escape clause in his contract and join Manchester City for £17m next month.

The fee is too much for Aston Villa, whose interest has cooled, leaving City in the driving seat.

Santa Cruz has told friends he is keen to team up again with City boss Hughes, who took him to Ewood Park at the start of last season.