Sam Allardyce has accused Roque Santa Cruz of
‘underhand’ tactics and suggested his form does not match his
ambitions.
The Paraguay international, who has been out since March
with a knee injury, has repeatedly been quoted saying he is eager
to leave Blackburn after missing out on a January move to
Manchester City.
Allardyce admits he has now lost patience with the striker and,
with an £18 million release clause in his contract, the Rovers boss
says he would be happy to cash in if any club is still willing to
pay out.
"He has become a little bit underhand,” he said.
"These kind of remarks always sneak out where we cannot control
the situation. It has happened too many times for it not to be him
and is disappointing.
"That is life today but Roque should really concentrate on
getting himself fit and playing football for Blackburn, never mind
talking about where his future may lie.
"Without his fitness and his capability of producing more than
last season, he will perhaps struggle to get the move he is looking
for."
He added: "I have always got on with Roque extremely well and
explained the situation to him as it lay in January.
"If someone meets the value, he is gone. It is that simple.
"It is a shame he has not been fitter because he is a terrific
player.
"The fans will always take a dim view of someone who openly says
he wants to leave. I understand that, so we will have to wait and
see what happens."