Bluebirds target gang of four strikers

Jun 5 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF CITY boss Dave Jones has drawn up a four-man short-list of new strikers he wants to bring to Ninian Park, headed by Leicester’s 32-year-old target man Steve Howard.

The Echo understands the Bluebirds are ready to push the boat out in wages to land Howard, who has been courted by Jones before.

Also on Jones’ wish-list are rising Wales star Ched Evans, former Ninian favourite Michael Chopra and Blackburn Rovers’ Jason Roberts.

Money to land at least one leading striker could come from the £5million the Bluebirds are netting from the sale of teenage ace Aaron Ramsey.

Jones’ desire to see newcomers up front next season throws further question marks against the futures of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler, despite the two having been offered reduced terms to remain with the Bluebirds next season.

However, Jones has made Howard his number one priority, having tried to sign the big hit-man before.

Howard scored the goals which took Derby into the Premiership, but was released as then-Rams boss Billy Davies signed ex-Bluebird Rob Earnshaw instead.

Howard then joined Leicester in a £1.5million deal, but could now be looking for a fresh challenge with the Foxes having been relegated to League One.

Also on Jones’ list are Evans and Chopra. Evans’ future will be determined by new Manchester City manager Mark Hughes. He was loaned out to Norwich for the entire 2007-08 season.

As for Chopra, his Premiership dream hasn’t worked out with him becoming little more than a bit-part player in Roy Keane’s first choice Sunderland set-up.

Jones said: “Up-front is probably the hardest position to fill because everyone is after strikers.

“It is almost impossible to try to pick up quality strikers for no money, it just cannot be done.”

Jones has also been linked with Welsh international Freddy Eastwood. but the City boss said he was setting his sights higher.

“We have looked at Freddy, but I believe he will go elsewhere,” said Jones.

“Anyway we can get far better than that if I can get the players I want.”

terry.phillips@mediawales.co.uk