The 20-year-old striker joined Rovers in 2008 after impressing during a trial spell. He penned a three-year deal upon his arrival but has been unable to force his way out of the reserve set-up and into the first-team fold. A lack of opportunities suggests Sam Allardyce does not consider him to be an integral part of his long-term plans. That means an exit at the end of the season could be on the cards, with Blackburn offering no indication that they wish to discuss an extension. Santa Cruz's agent, his father Aproniano, admits the youngster could return to his Paraguayan roots if the right offer comes along, but admits his priority is to secure another contract in Europe. "The priority is for Julio to stay in Europe," he told ABC Digiutal. "Julio has an amateur contract, he is always in the reserves at Blackburn and will see his contract expire in June. "We will see if he gets a professional contract. We will know about that in January. "We are going to see if Blackburn offer him professional terms, as he has been there now since he was 17. "The idea is for him to stay in Europe but if there is an opportunity with an important Paraguayan team, we will think about it. "It would have to be a team playing in a big international competition, though, because that is what I am looking for him to experience."
