City have been chasing Santa Cruz for much of the transfer window and went back with an increased bid for the Paraguayan yesterday, only for Rovers to say no.

"Yesterday afternoon we put an improved bid to Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz but it was rejected," said Hughes.

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Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear is known to be irritated by City's attempts to sign Given, while Wigan manager Steve Bruce was fiercely critical of the club last week for unsettling Wilson Palacios, who subsequently signed for Tottenham.

"The criticism is unfair," said Hughes.

"The Wigan stuff is a little bit bizarre. I am not quite sure where Steve is coming from.

"He is confusing everyone I think, including himself."

Hughes confirmed City have not made a formal approach for any players besides those made for Given and Santa Cruz, when he was specifically questioned about Arsenal defender Kolo Toure.

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Allardyce also confirmed Rovers had rejected the latest bid for Santa Cruz.

"Yes, they (Manchester City) have made another bid," stated Allardyce.

"We have considered it and it's not been accepted. They have been unsuccessful.

"But whether they come back before Monday's 5pm deadline, I've no idea."