Roque Santa Cruz, the Blackburn Rovers striker who figures prominently on Manchester City's extensive list of possible new signings, told a radio station in his native Paraguay yesterday that he would like to go through with the move if, as expected, he is the subject of a new bid in the January transfer window.

"Manchester City is a team that has financial support and is getting prepared to win the title," said Santa Cruz. "I am very happy at Blackburn but I like the idea of playing for a team that will be fighting for such important objectives. I will keep on doing what I do at Blackburn but if the coach of Manchester City is interested in me I would like to join Robinho in that team. He is a wonderful player and I would like to play next to him."

The Football Association has warned Newcastle United's interim manager, Joe Kinnear, he could face disciplinary action if he swears in public in the future, following his widely reported expletive-packed press conference on October 2. "The FA has received an apology for any offence that his comments may have caused," it said in a statement. "He has been advised that in the event of similar public comments, disciplinary proceedings may be brought against him."