IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell has spoken of his delight after landing Michael Chopra.

The renowned goalscorer has become Jewell’s first signing of the summer and should pave the way for a busy few weeks at Portman Road.

But for now, the Blues boss is only thinking about Chopra and what he could add to Town next season.

Jewell said: “Michael is a top quality striker who has a terrific goals to games ratio. He is a clever player with good pace and has a proven track record when it comes to putting the ball in the net.

“He’s ambitious and so are we. He’s the type of player we are looking for to help take us forward. He will bring proven quality to the squad and I’m delighted to have him at the club.”

Chopra, who will meet up with his new team mates for the first time when the club begins its pre-season three weeks today, scored a total of 63 goals in 139 starts in two spells for Cardiff.

The size of the transfer fee is not being disclosed by Town but it is thought to be in the region of �1.5 million – 12 months after the Blues failed in a �3 million-plus bid for the striker.

Town chief executive Simon Clegg said: “We’re obviously delighted to have added Michael to the squad. It’s a signing that I’m sure will excite our supporters.”

Cardiff City are now left with just two strikers on their books but chairman Gethin Jenkins said: “I would like to put on record our thanks and best wishes for Michael and his future career. He has provided us with some fond memories and goals, but it’s understandable that he seeks a fresh challenge.

“We now continue the process of securing a manager and a squad to challenge in the Championship next season and will look forward to seeing both Michael and Ipswich at Cardiff City Stadium and Portman Road during the 2011/12 campaign.”