MICHAEL Chopra is expected to complete his move to Ipswich Town in the next few days.

Sources close to www.greenun24.co.uk have revealed the move for the Cardiff City striker is “close to being done” – and does NOT hinge on who takes over as the Bluebirds manager.

With the Cardiff board meeting this weekend to discuss a new appointment, Chopra’s switch to Suffolk could in fact be sealed before then.

It is understood that Chopra has decided that he wants a move, regardless of the new manager, and with just a year left on his contract, Cardiff have sanctioned the transfer.

While both clubs are keeping tight-lipped on the fee involved, reports coming out of Wales suggest it is near the �1.5 million mark after an initial �1 million offer from Town was turned down.

Chopra, who has scored a total of 75 goals in 142 appearances in two spells for Cardiff, would become Town’s first signing of the season – 12 months after the Blues failed in a �3 million-plus bid for the striker.

Last night, it was reported that Town had made a bid for Preston defender Sean St Ledger while one national newspaper this morning said they were interested in Bournemouth defender Jason Pearce.

With former Reading captain Ivar Ingimarsson expected to sign, it would seem that only one other centre back would be needed.