[goldenHuddlestone]

Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz is pushing for an immediate transfer despite reports the Bundesliga club want to retain his services.

With Luca Toni, Lukas Podolski and Jan Schlaudraff all injured, the Paraguayan has been handed a lifeline at the Bavarian club.

Santa Cruz and new arrival Miroslav Klose are presently the only fit strikers on Bayern's books with just weeks to go before the start of the season.

Last week, general manager Uli Hoeness said that although Santa Cruz was surplus to requirements, he may be kept on until Toni recovers from his knee injury.

However, Santa Cruz hopes to leave the Allianz Arena sooner rather than later.

"It is hard to imagine staying longer," he told Germany's Kicker magazine.

"The club who is buying me wants me to integrate with them as quick as possible. I hope the transfer goes through this week."

Manchester City are reportedly leading the chase for the 25-year-old hitman, who scored a hat-trick in Paraguay's 5-0 win over Colombia in the recent Copa America.