Paraguayan striker could make move to Botafogo.
Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz could be set for a return to South America according to Sky Sports.
The Paraguayan striker has not enjoyed a productive time at the club since being brought in by manager Mark Hughes in 2009.
Santa Cruz has struggled to make much of an impact on the first team and has appeared just 24 times since arriving from Blackburn.
Santa Cruz and Mark Hughes knew each other well as Hughes was the player’s former manager at Blackburn but following the latter’s dismissal at the Etihad, Santa Cruz has found his first team opportunities restricted.
The forward has spent the last season on loan at La Liga side Malaga but it appears that the Spanish club are unlikely to bring Santa Cruz to the club on a permanent basis.
The player’s contract expires at the end of the season meaning he would be available on a free transfer.
That could well pave the way for a move to Brazil, where Santa Cruz still enjoys a strong reputation despite his fall from grace in Europe in recent seasons.
Botafogo are thought to be leading the chase for his signature although Real Betis may attempt to keep him in Europe for a while longer.
“Talks were very good, Botafogo are a very serious club. The player is excited about the possibility,” said Santa Cruz’s agent, Robson Lima.
“We are negotiating with Botafogo but we can’t say if the deal will work out in the end.”