Roberts: Staying at Blackburn

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Cardiff City have all-but conceded defeat in their bid to land Blackburn striker Jason Roberts.

The Championship club lodged an interest with their Premier League counterparts this week but Roberts has indicated a desire to fight for his place.

Roberts struggled to hold down a regular role in Mark Hughes' starting XI last season but the Welshman's departure could well see his first team prospects boosted.

Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale admits a deal for Roberts is highly unlikely but reassures Cardiff fans that there are other irons in the fire.

Working hard

"It looks like Jason is staying at Blackburn now from what I have seen," Ridsdale told The Post.

"But we are still working on bringing in the strikers we need.

"I spoke to a Premiership manager over the weekend about a potential target and we will keep working hard."

Local newspaper, The Post, has linked Cardiff with former favourite Michael Chopra, Leicester's Steve Howard and Manchester City starlet Ched Evans.

No fire sale

Aaron Ramsey's move from Cardiff to Arsenal has fuelled fears that a Ninian Park exodus could follow but, on the contrary, Ridsdale feels the finances brought in by the sale will mean manager Dave Jones can keep his squad intact.

"The sale of Aaron means we do not have to sell anybody else. If anyone comes in with a bid it would have to be the sort of money which we simply could not turn down," concluded Ridsdale.

"We are not expecting any of the players we want to keep to be going anywhere and look to go into next season stronger than we left the last."