Lennon in control of Hooper situation
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.”
CLICK HERE Gary Hooper v Jordan Rhodes
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