Man City complete Santa Cruz signing

Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz has joined Manchester City FC from Blackburn Rovers FC in a deal reportedly worth up to €21.2m, reuniting him with his former Rovers manager Mark Hughes.

Spending spree
The 64-cap international, who has 20 goals for his country, has accepted a four-year contract, with the 27-year-old former FC Bayern München forward becoming the club's second big-money summer signing after England midfielder Gareth Barry. The club have also added goalkeeper Stuart Taylor to their ranks from the Villa Park outfit. "The owners want the club to be more successful," said Santa Cruz. "They want to break into the top four."

Bayern honours
Hughes, as Blackburn's manager, brought Santa Cruz to England in summer 2007 from Bayern, where he had won three Bundesliga titles, the domestic double and the 2001 UEFA Champions League. The target man responded with 19 goals in 37 games in his first Premier League season although injuries helped restrict his Rovers appearances last term. "We're obviously delighted to get him," said Hughes. "It was really important we signed him because it's an area of the squad we have needed to address for some time. The qualities Roque brings will be of great benefit – his ability in the air and his physical presence." City finished tenth in the Premier League last season.