"Santa Cruz is one of the players we're negotiating with, but I don't know if you could consider the matter closed," Lazio coach Edy Reja said.

"If we do sign Santa Cruz from Manchester City, then someone else has to leave.

"Obviously with his arrival, it would damage everyone: Pasquale Foggia, Tommaso Rocchi, Sergio Floccari and Mauro Zarate."

Other clubs are understood to be interested in Cruz's services as well.