Report: Two English sides enter race for Celtic-linked striker

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Celtic might face competition over free agent Gary Hooper, with Fulham and Aston Villa having reportedly now entered the race (The Scottish Sun).

The striker is apparently on Neil Lennon’s wish list if he becomes permanent manager.

The 31-year-old is said to be open to a possible return to Parkhead six years after leaving for Norwich City.

In his first stint at Celtic, Hooper made 90 appearances and scored an impressive 63 goals in three full seasons.

Hooper is currently unattached after Sheffield Wednesday released him after three-and-a-half years – he scored 31 goals in 88 games for the Owls.

Despit his interim status, Lennon has been working to identify possible transfer targets ahead of the summer window, and Hooper is believed to be a genuine option.

TBR’s view

Hooper on a free could be a shrewd signing by Celtic, who seem set to lose loanees Timo Weah and Oliver Burke back to their parent clubs this summer.

Vakoun Issouf Bayo has yet to find his feet at Parkhead, and question marks remain over Leigh Griffiths as a viable long-term option.

Hooper endured his injury problems in 2018/19, which limited him to just six appearances towards the end, but he is a decent poacher and could be worth the risk with no transfer fee involved.

Fulham will be playing in the Championship next year which might be enticing, and Aston Villa could yet make it back into the Premier League which would certainly be a temptation.

That said, the lure of Celtic and the success of his first stint at Parkhead could be what sways him.