Malaga have emerged as the favourites to sign Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The 31-year-old is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium as part of the club's summer clearout.

Real Betis were thought to be among the frontrunners to land the Paraguayan international after a successful loan spell with the club last season.

However, the lure of Champions League football with Malaga could now see him move to La Rosaleda, according to talkSPORT.

Santa Cruz joined City from Blackburn Rovers in 2009 for around £17m.