Sky Sports ran a story today stating that Lazio are still in the market for Santa Cruz. They quote Lazio's sporting director, Igli Tare, saying:
"In January we will see if it is appropriate to make a transaction, perhaps with Santa Cruz."
Which backs up earlier claims from Claudio Lotito, the club's president, that they would still look at the possibility of signing him in the January transfer window.
This, however, was comically contradicted by reports from the Daily Mail that believe the Lazio coach, Edy Reja, vetoed the move due to 'some misgivings about Santa Cruz's tactical aptitude as well as his technical attributes.' In other words, he has misgivings about whether or not Santa Cruz is useless! It only really leaves Crocky room to be admired for his physical abilities, which would be considerable if reliability isn't an important factor.
Now, in Italy, it has been known for the coach to have a limited input on transfer dealings, so Reja's reported feelings about Santa Cruz may not matter too much. But Roque may have some work to do before January to impress upon Reja that his recent form has largely been the product of unreliable fitness.
Santa Cruz's agent was quoted as saying:
"Santa Cruz is a great professional and he will give everything for Manchester City."
In the 25 and with the games coming thick and fast this season, he should get the chance to prove this on the pitch - and I think Mancini would respond well to a fully committed and professional Santa Cruz. We need someone to lead the line and to act as a foil for Tevez and that is what Santa Cruz is made to do. He has shown few signs of becoming that man for City, but forever short on fitness and confidence, we certainly haven't seen the best of him either. He has everything to gain from showing the desire to be part of the team - whether it is to push his way closer to the City team, or just to prove to Reja that his failing body is worth the gamble in January.
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