The Paraguay international signed a new deal with Rovers earlier this season after attracting bids from Manchester City.

Santa Cruz admitted his ambitions were to play in the Champions League and be with a club who could challenge for the Premier League title.

Asked if he could do those things at Blackburn, he told Setanta: "Realistically I don't think so. We have different goals in this team than in other teams.

"If I have the chance and some people can give me the opportunity then I think it is a thing to discuss. There might still be time for a move, if something is going to happen, it is going to happen."

However, he indicated his commitment to Rovers in the short term at least when he added: "I decided to stay here because I believe in the team and I believe in the club, especially when they gave me the chance to get back to football."