The claims earlier this month were that the £5million forward was due to return to Ninian Park over the next few weeks.

And it was true that Cardiff boss Dave Jones asked in January this year whether he could have Chopra back after the striker spent a while on the fringes of Sunderland's first team.

"Nice try," smiled manager Roy Keane at the time, "but Michael isn't leaving."

Now that Chopra has announced his return to the Premier League this season with two goals against Middlesbrough, it is even less likely that he would be allowed to go out on loan.

A diplomatic Quinn said: "I think one or two clubs are interested in him, naturally.

"I mean he was superb a couple of weeks ago, as you know.

"He came back and he was absolutely fantastic.

"But Roy's Roy.

"He has got them all competing for places.

"There are a couple of players there: Daryl Murphy has done nothing wrong – every time he plays he has been superb. The club is a competitive place right now up front. Kenwyne Jones is coming back.
"So I think the question is always posed to the strikers.

"However, if there are two people fighting for every place, you have got yourself a chance.

"That is the philosophy that Roy is trying to bring and Chops will get his chance again."