Manchester City have been strongly linked with a move for the Paraguyan international with Mark Hughes believed to be keen to be reunited with Santa Cruz at Eastlands.

Santa Cruz insists he is happy at Ewood Park, but conceded he would find it hard to turn down the chance to play for a club competing for honours at the highest level.

"Of course I'm interested in the talk about my future," Santa Cruz told The Sun.

"Every player wants to have the opportunity to play in Europe and play for the bigger clubs.

"I'm no different. I want to be winning things and I want to play European football.

"But, let's make it very clear, saying that does not mean I don't appreciate being at Blackburn or that I'm not happy here.

"It's sad for me that things haven't been going right for the club. I'm focused on playing for this club. I want Blackburn to have success."

Meanwhile, Santa Cruz has jumped to the defence of under-fire boss Paul Ince.

Ince has found his position at Ewood Park under scrutiny after a poor run of form, but Santa Cruz says it is up to the players to turn things around.

"Every manager has their own way of doing things, and we respect the gaffer and his way of working," added Santa Cruz.

"It's wrong to start pointing fingers and certainly we shouldn't be blaming Paul Ince - especially when the club is in the position it is in.

"As players we must try to get back our fighting spirit. It's very important for a football club to have that.

"We need to focus on getting results, for the fans, the team and the manager. It's hard to change when you have so many disappointments, game after game.

"You are looking for excuses and reasons for the lack of confidence with the team. We need to get that confidence back. But all it takes is one win and things can turn."