Santa Cruz snubs loan move

London - Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz turned down a loan move to Italian club Lazio because he wants a permanent deal, it emerged on Wednesday.

The Paraguayan has no part in the plans of City manager Roberto Mancini, who is looking to sign Edin Dzeko from Germany's VfL Wolfsburg.

Talks have taken place between City and Lazio, but a proposed six-month loan now seems unlikely to go through.

"We take into account Santa Cruz's reaction and his desire to make any transfer permanent," Lazio president Claudio Lotito said.

"We are aware of this and consider it a wise decision for him. It's no coincidence that Lazio seek a strong rapport with their players and therefore understand his questions and ambitions."

Lotito also insisted Romanian defender Stefan Radu is not for sale despite reports of interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona.

"As for Stefan Radu, he is not for sale," he said.