Santa Cruz has frequently been linked with a move away from Ewood Park, with Manchester City said to be keen, but Madrid have now been mentioned with Juande Ramos retooling at the Bernabeu.

Aproniano Santa Cruz claims the former Bayern Munich frontman is keen to move to a big club, but insists there has been no official approach from the Spanish giants.

"There is nothing official from Real Madrid, but it is logical that Roque is being linked to another club," he said in an interview with teledeportes.com.

"If the chance appears and Blackburn agree to let him go I believe that he would prefer to sign for a team who are fighting for the likes of the Champions League or a domestic title.

"He talked with the new boss (Sam Allardyce) to tell him his desire to help the club. But I have no doubt that if Blackburn maintain their top-flight status there will be negotiations with other clubs.

"However, I do not know when. It could be in January or next June."