The Mirror has reported that bagging Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz is now Manchester City’s top summer priority…

Mark Hughes spoke proundly last term about his bargain signing £3.5m Roque Santa Cruz, insisting that he represented better value for money than another Premiership new-boy, Liverpool’s Fernando Torres.

Recently, Hughes has been tipped to swoop for his star pupil as he looks to bolster his frontline at new club Manchester City.

The Paraguay international was prolific last season, netting 19 goals in a Rovers shirt, attracting the attention of bigger clubs.

With the new Premiership season fast approaching, though, Santa Cruz remains a Rover, much to the delight of new Ewood gaffer Paul Ince.

However, The Mirror now understands that Hughes has told the City bigwigs that he intends to step up his pursuit of the 26-year-old hitman, making him his top reansfer priority this summer.

Speaking to La Nacion recently about a proposed £15m move, the forward refused to rule out an Eastlands switch, saying: “It would represent good money for the club when you look at what they paid for me.”

Hughes updated City executive Garry Cook on his targets at the weekend whilst in Germany. Sources suggest that Santa Cruz is feeling unsettled by the recent speculation and will instruct his agent to sort out his future one way or the other.

Ref From Liam Black, Goal.com

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun is being linked with a return to former club West Ham, according to a report in the Echo.

The Israeli joined Liverpool from West Ham last year in a deal thought to be worth £5 million but has struggled to become a regular at Anfield.

Benayoun managed only 15 Premier League starts and 4 goals in his first season at Anfield which has led to speculation he may be surplus to requirements at the club.

The former West Ham man was a popular figure at Upton Park and a return would certainly be warmly welcomed by the fans who have fond memories of his time in East London.

Benayoun managed 8 goals in 63 appearances for West Ham and helped carry them to an FA Cup final with Liverpool which they eventually lost on penalties. However, the Israeli’s flair and creativity were as important as his goals and ensured he is still highly thought of by the Hammers.

The Echo reports that West Ham have contacted Liverpool to discuss the possibility of a move for Benayoun as they hope to be reunited with their former player.

Rafael Benitez has been widely quoted this week as saying he needs to sell players in order to finance more moves and it is possible Benayoun could potentially be sold as Liverpool look to strength their squad further.

Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise and Harry Kewell have already left Anfield this summer whilst Cavalieri, Degen, Dossena and Robbie Keane have all arrived. Liverpool are also still thought to be chasing Gareth Barry, although any further signings may be impossible until further funds are raised.

Ref From Gill Clark - goal.com

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré has reignited the Didier Drogba transfer saga by stating that Didier Drogba personally told him that he’d like to join the blaugrana…

Speaking to Sport.es, the Ivorian midfielder revealed that his countryman previously indicated an interest in Barça.

“I’ve not spoken to him in a few weeks, but last year he was always telling me that he wanted to come to Barcelona,” said Touré.

While such comments may have come during the difficult days of José  Mourinho’s leaving Chelsea and Avram Grant’s installation as boss, nonetheless it could be the case that Drogba retains a soft spot for the blaugrana.

There he could potentially replace Samuel Eto’o as the Cameroonian’s own transfer dramas continue.

For his part, Touré described his “respect” for Samuel, adding that he is “a good person with great character. He works and helps a lot.

“We want him to continue with us. If he stays, that’s good news. He’s a very positive person and he’d like to carry on here. In Scotland he played both pre-season games and showed a positive mentality.”

This was partially down to the input of new coach Pep Guardiola. Yaya said of the new boss, “the best thing now is that we are all focused on the same goal” after the “problems” of last year.

Ref From Steve Michaels, Goal.com