Norwich closing in on Celtic’s Hooper

Norwich have agreed a fee with Celtic for striker Gary Hooper. The two clubs have finally reached agreement over a player who has been pursued by Canaries boss Chris Hughton for some time.

The news may come as a blow to QPR boss Harry Redknapp, who thought he was in the driving seat to capture the prolific 25-year-old frontman after Rangers too had a bid accepted.

Hooper has scored 82 goals in three years at Celtic Park but has resisted attempts to extend his contract beyond next summer.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon admitted earlier this week that he thought the forward's mind may be elsewhere but Hooper was keen to play against Cliftonville on Tuesday night and came off the bench as Celtic eased into the third qualifying round of the Champions League with a 2-0 win at Parkhead.

But the former Southend player, who joined Celtic from Scunthorpe in a €2.75 million deal, looks now to be nearing a return south as he bids to win England recognition.