Town are set to make a renewed move to sign Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra, according to reports in Wales this morning. However, the Blues are said to face competition from Leeds United, who are expected complete the signing of Town defender Alex Bruce this morning.
Michael Chopra has long been understood to be Roy Keane’s number one summer target with the two close after their spell together at Sunderland and it is believed the Bluebirds turned down a Town offer of £3.75 million earlier in the summer.
However, with Chopra unhappy with the continuing financial crisis at Cardiff, the Blues are again reported to be keen to push through a deal by making a new offer. It’s understood that the initial bid was tabled towards the end of last season and that negotiations have continued throughout the summer.
Cardiff's current situation may force them to have to sell their prize asset to raise cash with fees owed to other clubs for various players, wages paid late last month and ongoing issues over unpaid PAYE.
Leeds United are also claimed to be interested in the 26-year-old, who Cardiff paid Sunderland £3 million for a year ago, but Portman Road continues to appear the former England U21 international’s most likely destination if he leaves the Bluebirds with the Whites perhaps not in a position to spend the amount of cash likely to be involved in the overall deal.
Meanwhile, Alex Bruce is expected to put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Elland Road this morning, a fee of £200,000 plus a further £100,000 on appearances having been agreed earlier in the week.