Manchester City are ready to meet the £18 million buyout clause of Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz's contract.

The Daily Express says at least one other interested club backed off when the size of the trigger fee became apparent, leaving the way clear for

Mark Hughes is keen to take striker Santa Cruz to City after he blossomed under Hughes’s management at Ewood Park.

The only stumbling block might be if Rovers insisted on the fee being paid up front in one instalment. But City’s resources should handle even that no-nonsense stance.

“It’s in their hands to make an approach,” said Rovers boss Sam Allardyce.