Sunderland manager Roy Keane has revealed that Cardiff tried to sign striker Michael Chopra.
Manager insists striker is going nowhere
Sunderland manager Roy Keane has revealed that Cardiff tried to sign striker Michael Chopra.
Chopra joined The Black Cats from Cardiff last summer but he had struggled to make an impact in the Premier League until Saturday's clash with Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old netted his first goal from open play in seven months to give Sunderland a vital 1-0 victory at Villa Park.
The Bluebirds had been linked with a move for Chopra and Keane has confirmed that there was some truth in the reports, although he insists the player will not be leaving The Stadium of Light.
"How close was Chopra to going back to Cardiff? I can tell you it wasn't speculation. I get phone calls about lots of my players - but Michael is going nowhere.
Admiration
"I admire Dave Jones for chancing his arm. He fancied his chances of getting Michael back.
"There is nothing wrong with that. 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 is now hopeful that Chopra will start to find the target more regularly to aid Sunderland's battle against relegation.
"We know if we create chances, Michael will score," Keane said.
"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, wide right.
"Maybe the criticism against Michael has been slightly unfair but everyone, myself and the staff, are delighted with him."
