Hughes brought Santa Cruz to Blackburn from Bayern Munich in 2007
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that his club have had a fresh bid for Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz turned down.
City have been chasing Santa Cruz since the transfer window opened and went back with an increased bid for the Paraguayan international on Thursday.
"Yesterday, we put an improved bid to Blackburn [for Santa Cruz] but it was rejected," said ex-Rovers boss Hughes.
Hughes is now considering whether to continue his pursuit any further.
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce also confirmed Manchester City's bid for Santa Cruz had been rejected and was unsure if they would improve their offer for the 27-year-old.

"We have considered it and it's not been accepted. They have been unsuccessful.
"But whether they come back before Monday's (1700 GMT) deadline, I've no idea."
Santa Cruz has also reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham.
Blackburn are reluctant to allow their star asset to leave, especially considering their predicament towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
However, with the expected arrival of Sunderland forward El-Hadji Diouf, Allardyce has strengthened his attacking options.