Neil Lennon is comfortable with the transfer speculation surrounding Gary Hooper.
Norwich’s derisory offer of £5m was instantly turned down by Celtic with Hooper responding with a double in the 4-1 win over Hearts.
Lennon knows the way that the transfer business works and is anticipating- but not inviting- more offers before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
It would take a bid in the region of £10m to get Celtic to the negotiating table with Lennon in no rush to cash in on his leading scorer.
“He’s improving all the time and, rightly, clubs are interested in him,” the Celtic boss stated. “But he’s ours and we want to keep him for a long time. Any clubs after him will have to dig deep. We’re not encouraging any offers.
“There’s a contract on the table for him, and if he wants to take it it’s there for him.
“It’s down to the kid at the end of the day, my advice is always take the money when it’s in front of you – you never know what’s round the corner in football.
“There could be avenues that open up to him in the summer, but, for now, take the money, enjoy your football and see what the next step round the corner is.
“Everyone has their price and what Gary’s price is will be down to the board and myself to decide.
“What we were offered on Thursday was nowhere near our valuation of the player.
“We don’t have a set figure, however, goalscorers are at a premium and Gary is a goalscorer so we will set the bar pretty high for him.
“I am hearing that they (Norwich) might come again but good luck to them on that.”
Hooper opened the scoring within two minutes then killed off any hopes of a comeback for the visitors with Celtic’s third goal five minutes from the end.
As well as his obvious eye for goal Lennon is delighted with the way that Hooper’s all round game is developing.
The Celtic boss added: “I thought Hooper was fantastic again today from start to finish. His all-round game, he just keeps getting better and better.
“He gets two goals today, but what pleases me more is his contribution to the team today, he worked really hard. He’s got a really quick mind.”
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Well said Neil, if WE need anyone to fight our corner then Lenny’s the man, OUR man!!
can someone tell delias that budgies and canaries go cheep not champions league strikers
I hope Gary Hooper continues to show his class and does all his talking on the park. Celtic have handled the situation perfectly unlike the agent, no wonder Gary is looking for a new one. His display again today shows that he could easily play for any of the top sides in England, albeit two of whom are already out the the big cup….maybe if they had a goalscorer supreme LOL.
Unfortunately in the modern football world the player is in control when it gets to this stage of his contract.
Time is now on his side and as much asI would like hime to stay I hope our talent spotters are looking for his replacement.
Fed up of this drama with him, put a 15 million clause in the new contract and tell him if he doesnt sign it he will see out the last 6 months in the reserves, players need to know there place. He is replacable
Celtic have a good deal on the table for Hooper. Obviously it will take a better deal to poach him,and it won’t come from Norwich. After all, what player wants to sit in the dressing rooms after a game, heid in hands, with his face tripping him. Hooper should either extend with Celtic now, or Celtic should open up a pre-contract situation with a view to a summer move. I expect a half decent team to come in for him, but if not, Hooper may find the deal on the table, can go down, as well as up.