Russian duo eye Hooper

Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow are understood to be considering a swoop for Celtic striker Gary Hooper.

Russian giants have been monitoring the prolific Hoops frontman

Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow are understood to be considering a swoop for Celtic striker Gary Hooper. The 24-year-old has attracted interest this season having helped fire his side to the top of the SPL but last week the Parkhead club rejected a second bid from Championship outfit Southampton - believed to be around £6million. Hooper, who has bagged 16 goals in all competitions, recently insisted he was happy to stay with Celtic but the arrival of Pawel Brozek on loan could pave the way for an offer from the top two clubs in Russia. Sky Sports sources understand both Zenit and CSKA have been monitoring the former Scunthorpe frontman for the past two weeks as they look to bolster the squad ahead of the resumption of their season in March. It is believed they were willing to wait until the summer to make their move but the capture of Brozek may see them attempt to convince the Hoops to sell before the transfer window in Russia closes on 24th February. Hooper has netted 38 goals since signing from the Iron for £2.4m 18 months ago and this kind of form has seen him linked with the likes of Sunderland, Newcastle and QPR in recent months.