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Transfer news – Ipswich turn to McCormack after Chopra bids fail

| 10.08.2010

Having been thwarted in their attempts to sign Cardiff striker Michael Chopra, Ipswich will turn their attention to Chopra’s team-mate Ross McCormack.

Scottish forward McCormack can operate as a striker or a winger, and Ipswich manager Roy Keane is reportedly ready to offer Jonathan Stead as a makeweight in the deal.

Stead scored in the Tractor Boys’ 3-1 win at Middlesbrough on the opening weekend, but Keane seems to view the former Blackburn striker as an expendable part of his plans for the 5/1 promotion hopefuls.

Chopra has long been a target for Keane, but the former Sunderland boss seems to be giving hope of signing the 26-year-old, having had numerous offers rejected by Cardiff.

A deal for McCormack, however, appears to be a possibility. The 23-year-old has notched 25 league goals during his time in south Wales, but he has struggled to command a first-team spot since Chopra rejoined the club last summer.

The Scotland international was the subject of £4m bid from Hull last season, but Ipswich could secure his signature for a fraction of that fee.

Cardiff, priced at 5/1 to go up this season, have promotion hopes of their own, and the Bluebirds have bolstered their threadbare squad with the signing of midfielder Seyi Olofinjana.

A Nigeria international, Olofinjana joins on a season-long loan deal from Hull, and the former Wolves man could feature in the Bluebirds’ Carling Cup tie against Burton, which they are 4/9 to win.

9/2 promotion candidates Sheffield United have signed former Burnley defender Stephen Jordan, following his release by the Clarets.

Jordan began his career at Manchester City before moving to Turf Moor in 2006, and he will be a welcome addition to a Blades side who struggled badly with injuries last season.

Who do you think will go up this season? Derby are 8/1 to win promotion. See the full Championship 2010/11 Betting Odds market.

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Author

Robbie Morris

Robbie studied sports journalism at the University of Gloucestershire, an establishment chosen for its proximity to Cheltenham racecourse, where he was a season ticket holder. Upon graduation, Robbie was a contributor to GolfPunk, a national magazine aimed at ridding golf of its traditionalist image, before joining the news.ladbrokes team.