Keane rejects Bluebirds approach to take Chopra on loan
Michael Chopra has scored four goals for Roy Keane's side this season
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Sunday, 23, Mar 2008 08:41
Sunderland have rejected a bid from Cardiff for striker Michael Chopra.
Bluebirds boss Dave Jones, who sold Chopra to Sunderland last summer for £5 million, wanted to sign the forward on loan.
Cardiff have a striker crisis ahead of their FA Cup semi final against Barnsley on April 6th.
Chopra scored the winner yesterday for Roy Keane's side against Aston Villa, his first goal since December.
Keane said the former Newcastle United striker is "going nowhere".
"David got a very polite no from me - just like he was very helpful to me when I was trying to buy Chopra last summer," Keane said.
"We know if we create chances, Michael will score.
"There is no doubt about that but obviously we've not been creating enough and in defence of him, I've been playing him out of position at wide right.
"Maybe the criticism against Michael has been slightly unfair but everyone, myself and the staff, are delighted with him."
Chopra, 24, was signed by Jones for £500,000 in 2006, and scored 22 goals in his one season in the Championship.
Jones has been without Robbie Fowler since December because of a knee injury, with the ex-Liverpool striker having surgery by the world-renowned Dr Richard Steadman.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is in the middle of a three-match ban following his sending off at Colchester, while Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney has also been out since Christmas.