Former Barnsley goal machine Michael Chopra could be set for a sensational return to Oakwell to help spearhead The Reds push for a top half Championship finish.
Chopra had a fantastic loan spell at the club in the 2004-2005 League One campaign when he arrived on loan from Newcastle United and scored 17 goals in 39 appearances- no Barnsley player has managed to hit more than 14 goals in a season since- but with the club marooned in League One there was no money for a permanent move and after failing to break into the Newcastle side the former England U21 international moved to Cardiff City.
After a prolific spell with the Welsh side he sealed a £5m move to Sunderland, but that proved sour and he returned to Cardiff in 2008.
Despite hitting 32 goals in 74 starts for the Bluebirds, the arrivals of strikers Craig Bellamy and Andy Keogh this season, plus the form of England cap Jay Bothroyd have pushed Chopra down the pecking order and he has managed just 17 starts, but has plundered seven goals including the opener in the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Stoke at the weekend.
His future looked even bleaker however when at the start of the transfer window, Cardiff boss Dave Jones swooped to sign Barnsley born forward Jon Parkin for £100,000 from Preston. This has led to Barnsley making their move, and they have an ace to play- Adam Hammill.
Jones is a keen admirer of the Scouse winger and would love to add him to his side as they push to win promotion to the Premier League. Reds boss Mark Robins admitted to the media after Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup reverse at West Ham that talks about signing a “very talented player” were in advanced stages, and all signs are pointing to an emotional and well received return for Chopra.