Newcastle's Chopra joins Cardiff City

Newcastle striker Michael Chopra has joined the Coca-Cola Championship's Cardiff City after turning down a new deal at St James’ Park.

The 22-year-old frontman has left for Ninian Park for an undisclosed fee and has signed a contract, although a minor detail still needs to be resolved.

Both the Magpies and the Bluebirds have confirmed the deal, with a statement on Cardiff’s official website, www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk, saying: “Michael…has signed and passed the medical.

“The fee has been agreed with Newcastle and we are now finalising one relatively small detail.”

Chopra had been offered a new one-year deal by Newcastle after impressing at the end of last season with Alan Shearer and Michael Owen injured.

But the Tynesider opted to move to Wales firm in the knowledge that a top-class frontman to partner Owen is high on Glenn Roeder’s list of priorities this summer.

Chopra, who emerged from the ranks, made only 10 starts and 21 further appearances as a substitute after earning a debut as a substitute in a Champions League defeat by Barcelona in 2002.

The England Under-21 international scored three senior goals, the most significant of them an equaliser in the 4-1 derby victory at Sunderland in April.

Chopra’s departure is the second from St James’ this month with midfielder Lee Bowyer having left for West Ham.