BLACKBURN Rovers have turned down a bid from Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz and warned he is not for sale.

The Paraguay international was Blackburn’s top scorer last season and has been linked with a number of clubs this summer - including City’s neighbours Manchester United.

Rovers said in an official statement: "A bid came in last night and it was immediately rejected.

"Various Manchester City officials have been advised on a number of occasions that the player would not be for sale.

"We are very disappointed, therefore, that they have continued their interest."

The fee City have offered is believed to be around the £12million mark - over £8million more than Rovers paid for his services when they signed him from Bayern Munich last summer.

Santa Cruz spent eight years at the German club and has scored 17 goals in the 53 international appearances he has made for Paraguay.

Meanwhile, David Dunn is hopeful that Rovers will hang on to Santa Cruz before the transfer window slams shut on August 31.

Dunn is hopeful that Paul Ince sticks to his guns by refusing to allow any more of his key players to leave Ewood Park this summer.

He said: “I’m sure there’s no way in a million years that Roque will be allowed to leave Blackburn.

“He’s such a massive player for us, those 20-goal a season players are difficult to find and difficult to replace, so I’m sure the club will do all they can to keep hold of him.”