Soccer:Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed Roque Santa Cruz is almost certain to return to Blackburn within the coming days — and paved the way for Shaun Wright-Phillips' departure as well.

Mancini has already stated that Edin Dzeko will probably be the only new face arriving at Eastlands during the current transfer window, so most of the attention around City this month is set to be on the players who will leave.

Wayne Bridge was first man out of the exit door yesterday, joining West Ham for the remainder of the season. Santa Cruz’s departure was always on the cards and it seems Wright-Phillips will be leaving too.

“It is the same situation for Roque and Shaun Wright-Phillips,” said Mancini. “He has two or three options.”

Both players came in during Mark Hughes’ brief tenure, so it is little wonder Fulham has been suggested as an option for Wright-Phillips, along with Birmingham and West Ham. Having tried so hard to get Santa Cruz from his former club Blackburn, Hughes would doubtless be interested in the Paraguayan as well, although it appears his preference is to remain in the north-west.

“Roque will probably go to Blackburn,” confirmed Mancini. “Every player wants to play. I understand that. But it is difficult for me. If an opportunity for either of them to play came up, then it would be better for them and I hope for Roque that in one or two days, he will have that.”