Hoops open Hooper talks

Skysports.com understands Celtic have opened contract talks with Gary Hooper in an effort to ward off interest from rival clubs.

Celtic eager to tie striker down on fresh terms

Skysports.com understands Celtic have opened contract talks with Gary Hooper in an effort to ward off interest from rival clubs. The 23-year-old striker has become the Hoops' most potent attacking weapon after settling quickly at Parkhead. He was snapped up from Scunthorpe in the summer of 2010 and netted 22 goals in his debut season in Scotland. That fine form has been carried over into the current campaign and Hooper already has eight goals to his name this term. His consistency has led to calls for England manager Fabio Capello to consider him for a senior international call-up.

Speculation

The Three Lions are yet to open that door, but talk of a switch to the Premier League has surfaced. Various clubs are reported to be interested in a man who has been a regular source of goals wherever he has been. Celtic are aware of the speculation and are eager to quash it as soon as possible. They are prepared to reward Hooper with improved terms and are hoping he will agree to extend a deal that is already set to run until 2014.