Ireland has struggled to find his way into the plans of City manager Roberto Martinez following the Italian's arrival midway through last season.
The 23-year-old is just 12 months into a lucrative five-year deal at City but is reportedly eyeing an exit after failing to reproduce the sparkling form he showed during the 2008/09 campaign.
However, Santa Cruz said: "He is a very nice guy and a fantastic player also, so I think everybody at the club would be very disappointed to see him leaving. He is a great talent."
The Paraguay international added: "This season has been hard for him, not finding a starting place in the team, but it is always going to be hard when you are at a team that is always getting new players who start all the time.
"It is very hard for everyone."
Source: PA
Source: PA