Leeds v Watford Key To Chopra Future

Last updated : 20 May 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor




The Hornets are keen on his services but would have to cough up a fee, because Chopra came through the Newcastle Academy and, as he is under the age of 24, United can expect some compensation. But that won't be a problem ... should Watford win their play-off final against Leeds United at Cardiff at the weekend.

But Glenn Roeder, unlike Graeme Souness before him, wants the 22-year-old to stay on Tyneside. Souness was never a fan of the youngster, and didn't go to watch him once during his loan period at Barnsley, despite rave reviews from Oakwell.

Roeder: "I am quite happy to keep him and for him to continue working hard like he has been. Managers will know that his contract is up. But Michael has been offered a new contract at Newcastle.

"If he was to leave then we would be entitled to compensation and it would have to be good compensation because in the last five or six games for us Michael has proved he is a good player, and he has played his part in getting us into the top seven. He is a young player who we have brought through the Academy and there would be a cost issue if he left."

"I would like to see Michael continue to develop at Newcastle. As I say, he played a part in the last five or six games of the season and I am not surprised that with his contract expiring he has generated a lot of interest."