The Paraguay international striker was expected to be among those on their way out of Eastlands this summer after tumbling down the pecking order. Various clubs were reported to be keen on the experienced frontman, with loan deals and permanent switches touted on a regular basis. However, the transfer window slammed shut at 6pm on Tuesday with Santa Cruz still on the books at City. He now faces an uncertain few months before the window opens again in January, with Roberto Mancini having already informed him that he does not figure prominently in his plans. "Unfortunately, I have heard from the manager than he won't be counting on me too much this season," Santa Cruz told Sky Sports News. "I heard that a week before the season and I had time to see if I could arrange a move. But in the end the club were happy to keep me and they weren't happy with anything that came through. "Now I am looking forward to getting back into training and seeing if I have any opportunities to prove myself in the team." Serie A giants Lazio were believed to be leading the race for Santa Cruz's signature, but they were unable to strike a deal with City. Santa Cruz added: "They were there right until the end, but they didn't reach an agreement with the club. I was waiting to hear what was going on, but there was no agreement. It was then too late to keep talking. That's the way it has finished." Fulham were another side reported to be keen on sealing a loan swoop and Santa Cruz admits he would have welcomed the opportunity to work under former City boss Mark Hughes again at Craven Cottage. "I would have been very happy to play for him and if I had the chance to go there and play under him again, I would," he added. "But again City were looking to keep me even though the manager has said that he won't be counting on me this season. I just have to try to prove myself in training. "I am healthy and I am looking forward. The deadline has gone. I am on my way to play for the national team and hopefully I will get the minutes I haven't got at City this season."
