It doesn’t matter what league you play your trade in, if a striker is scoring goals on a regular basis, there is going to be interest. That’s most certainly the case with Celtic striker Gary Hooper. The 24-year-old is believed to have attracted a host of interest south of the border, with Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur thought to have been courting the front-man.
Casting the net wider and reports last month hinted that Juventus were considering a move for the Bhoys leading goalscorer this season. It’s no surprise when you consider his record over the past two-and-a-half years, having netted 73 times in 117 appearances, including a brace in the 4-0 win over Dundee United on Tuesday night.
Sky Sports suggested that Norwich were the first to move on their interest in the striker, but have seen their £7m bid for him rejected by the club. However, with rumours hinting that he turned down a new contract at Celtic, speculation surrounding his future is likely to persist until the end of the January transfer window.
His capabilities would be greatly welcomed in the Premier League, regardless of fans regular insistence that ‘it’s only the SPL’. Every player has to start somewhere, while Nikica Jelavic, regardless of his form this season, took to the change in leagues like a duck to water. While it remains to be seen whether he’ll depart Celtic Park this month, the interest surrounding Hooper is no shock to any, especially Celtic fans who view his progress on a regular basis.