Celtic reject second Norwich bid for Hooper

SPL leaders Celtic have rejected a second offer from mid-table Premier League side Norwich City for attacker Gary Hooper.

Sky Sports understands that the Canaries’ improved their offer to £6m, from the £5m offered last week, but this bid was dismissed quickly by manager Neil Lennon, who insisted the offer fell short of the reported price.

The 24-year-old is yet to sign a new deal at Parkhead, with his current contract expiring next summer.

Talks are ongoing between the club and the striker over a new agreement after a rejection in October.

Speaking after his side’s comfortable 4-0 victory against Dundee United on Tuesday night, Lennon said: “We have had an improved offer, if you want to call it an improved offer, from Norwich that’s been turned down automatically. 

“It was nowhere near £6m. It was completely rejected and even if it was £6m it would be completely rejected.” 

Hooper (pictured) was sold by Nigel Adkins at Scunthorpe United in 2010 to the Bhoys for £175,000 and has been prolific in Scotland.

He scored another brace against Dundee United, taking his tally to 22 goals for the season, and has attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Southampton and Liverpool.

Tottenham manager Andre-Villas Boas and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson were interested spectators at Celtic Park on Tuesday, but it is believed they were watching other players rather than Hooper.

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

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