The father and agent of Manchester City centre forward Roque Santa Cruz has revealed that his son has considered a move to the Championship.

City manager Roberto Mancini confirmed earlier this summer that Santa Cruz was available for transfer after spending the second half of last season on loan at former club Blackburn Rovers.

Aproniano Santa Cruz has claimed that there is a lot of interest in his 30-year-old son and that remaining in England would be his preferred option.

"[City] are looking for another club for him because Roque wants to go to another team where he can have more chances to play," said Aproniano.

"Roque is comfortable in Manchester and I would like an English team more [than a move abroad].

"The second division is very competitive in England, with powerful teams in huge stadiums. There are important teams like Leeds United, but his future will be decided by Manchester."

City paid £17.5m for Santa Cruz in 2009.