Mini-exodus at Man City in January?

Santa Cruz and Tevez: Leaving Eastlands?

Man City's "super-sized" squad may be up for some trimming in January. Paraguayan striker, Roque Santa Cruz has announced his intentions of leaving City in January to a club that will field him in the first 11 and rumours are rife Carlos Tevez and Emanuel Adebayor maybe on their way out soon as well.

So far, it would appear the rumour about Tevez leaving is just that - a rumour. But the Argentine international has repeatedly spoken about his intentions to leave England to be with his family - ala Javier Mascherano. It would be a serious blow if Tevez were to leave in January or even next summer for that matter. After a forgetful season last year, Tevez seems to back to his lethal best and Mancini's decision to give the striker the captain's armband seems to have paid dividends.

As for Emanuel Adebayor, it's almost certain the Togolese striker will leave the first chance an offer comes his way. Playing second fiddle to Tevez in the pecking order in Mancini's one-striker formation has left the former Arsenal striker increasingly frustrated with life at the Eastlands. Which is a pity because Adebayor is certainly one of the best forwards in the Premier League. And should Adebayor move to another Premier League club and return to his free-scoring days, Mancini's job be on the line.

If it isn't already, that is.

Losing Santa Cruz itself is quite a blow although I don't suspect many in City would miss him - Paraguayan striker's long-term injury woes kept his appearances for the club rather limited ever since his move from Blackburn Rovers. But Santa Cruz too was regarded as one of the best strikers in the league and his departure may send warning signals to City's owners who paid very good money for Santa Cruz' services, not to mention Adebayor's'.

Still, when money's no object, I guess even Santa Cruz and Adebayor can join the list of expendables at the club.