Manager Mark Hughes is hoping to conclude a deal for the highly rated 25-year-old Paraguay international over the weekend.

Hughes said on Friday: "We are very hopeful something may happen in that respect.

"Maybe in the next 24 hours a deal could be concluded if the price is right."

Hughes is already well-off for strikers, with Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts and Matt Derbyshire and new recruit Maceo Rigters on his books.

Hughes added: "What we don't have is a real threat in the air and that is something we are looking to address.

"Santa Cruz is a young player, an international with a good reputation who is playing at a top European club."

Hughes believes Santa Cruz is ready to come to Ewood Park.

He added: "We've had some positive indications from his people and hopefully something will happen.

"The good thing from our point of view is that his fitness levels are fine as he has been playing in the Copa America."

With Francis Jeffers and Paul Gallagher also on the payroll, Hughes might be tempted to offload one of his strikers if Santa Cruz arrives.

Hughes said: "Possibly that could happen but I am quite happy with the options I have.

"I am looking to supplement the qualities of the strikers we have here.

"You have to have depth and quality to cope with the demands of a long season."