Hughes could return for Santa Cruz

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City never really got going and manager Mark Hughes has not ruled out the possibility of heading back to his former club Blackburn for Santa Cruz.

Rovers rejected their offer - believed to be £12million - for the player, but Hughes has given gave an indication they might not be giving up the chase just yet, saying: "We are in the market for a striker and made a substantial offer, which has been well documented. We will have to wait and see what happens."

He added: "We are trying to address certain weaknesses in the team and we will continue to do that right until the window closes."

A goal from Danny Olsen in the 16th minute gave FC Midtjylland the advantage going into the second leg of this second qualifying round match in Denmark in a fortnight.

In the absence of Jo, Benjani and Darius Vassell, Hughes decided to employ teenagers Daniel Sturridge and Felipe Caicedo up front.

Hughes added: "We have problems up front as we are missing key personnel. We are a little bit light and went with two young guys, who are still learning the game. It was difficult for them.

"I think what the bid does show is that the club is in decent shape financially and that we were able to make a bid of that significance.

"Maybe the stories of the financial crisis flying around are not as substantiated as they should be."