Sunderland wrap up Chopra signing

Former Newcastle striker Chopra returns to the north-east

Sunderland have completed a deal worth up to £5m for Cardiff's Michael Chopra.

The 23-year-old former Newcastle striker scored 22 goals for Cardiff in the Championship last season and has signed a four-year contract.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones told the South Wales Echo: "I am sorry to see him go, everybody in the camp is. But there is a price for every player."

Chopra becomes Sunderland's third signing of the summer after Greg Halford and Russell Anderson.

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Cardiff boss Jones added: "The money could go on to make us stronger.

"This is good business for us and after all, we are in a business. And for Michael it means Premiership football - we cannot stop him. We wish him all the best with Sunderland."

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale revealed that they had turned down an unnamed offer from an unnamed club.

But Keane has met the asking price for Chopra, who joined Cardiff for less than £500,000 in June 2006, after missing out on David Nugent, who is joining Portsmouth.

Keane agreed a £6m deal with Preston for Nugent, and Chopra's goal record compared favourably to the England striker's last season.

BBC Wales understands Chopra had a release clause in his contract allowing him to speak to any club offering £5m.