Lazio not bothered by Santa Cruz deal failure

Santa Cruz came close to joining Fulham and Lazio (GETTY IMAGES)

Lazio president Claudio Lotito does not consider it a failure the club did not secure the services of Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The Paraguay forward came close to joining the Serie A outfit but the deal fell through earlier this week.

Despite also being linked with Fulham, the 29-year-old Santa Cruz remained at Eastlands.

"It's not a disappointment," said Lotito.

"We decided to take some time and wait for the winter transfer market in order to evaluate whether to make that signing, considering that in that role we already have Mauro Zarate, Sergio Floccari, Tommaso Rocchi and Pasquale Foggia."

Zarate was a reported target of Premier League side Tottenham but Lotito has reiterated the South American striker will remain with the Romans for a long time.

"I don't consider offers for Zarate because the Argentinian is not for sale and is a key player for this club," said Lotito.