Norwich transfer target Gary Hooper has repotedly rejected a contract extension to remain at Celtic. Photo: Lynne Cameron/PA
TRANSFER TALK: Norwich City make improved bid for Celtic transfer target Gary Hooper
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
12:43 PM
Norwich City transfer target Gary Hooper has reportedly rejected the offer of a Celtic contract extension amid speculation the Canaries have made an improved bid.
Talksport claim the Canaries have failed with a second firm enquiry for the in-demand striker after an initial £5m offer was dismissed by the Bhoys last week - prompting Parkhead chief Neil Lennon to publicly state it fell well short of Celtic’s valuation for a striker who has 18 months left to run on his current deal.
The national radio station insisted on Tuesday morning that has not deterred the Canaries, with City captain Grant Holt reportedly an option in an improved player-plus-cash bid to try and tempt Hooper south.
Lennon’s assistant, Johan Mjallby, admitted yesterday Celtic were lining up potential replacements if the 24-year-old departs in this transfer window. Burnley’s prolific forward Charlie Austin has been touted as likely alternative and the candid Mjallby confirmed he is on the Bhoys’ radar.
“He might be on the shortlist,” said Mjallby. “Charlie is a proven goalscorer and he might come in handy in the future. But right now we think Gary will stay on, at least until the summer, and that will be great for the club. He is a top-class player. It’s not only his goals, the last couple of months have shown he is improving his all-round game. We can use him in midfield as well because he is a very clever player.
“We want to keep him because he is improving and making the team better. Gary has proven to be the best goalscorer for us so that’s one of the reasons we want to keep him. We always have a shortlist for players in each and every position but right now we are just thinking about Gary staying because he is a very important figure for our squad.”
The Daily Record claimed earlier this week City will need to significantly increase their original offer to entice Celtic to do business in January. This time last year, Celtic reportedly turned down a £7m offer from Southampton for the man who cost them £2.4m when he signed from Scunthorpe in 2010.
“We don’t want Gary Hooper to leave. I think he is very happy here. He put in a great performance the other day,” said Mjallby, after Hooper ignored the mounting speculation on his future with a brace in a 4-1 win over Hearts. “He is enjoying his football, he is enjoying playing for Celtic and enjoying his team-mates. Not only his goals at the weekend, but his general performance was very, very good. The only bid has been from Norwich but we expect there are going to be offers for our best players anyway. That’s the way it is in this climate. Even if you get a lot of money for Gary, if a bid comes in and the board and everyone thinks it’s good enough, it’s always a gamble because money doesn’t always buy you a good player. Right now we know what we have got, we have a good squad and players we know and how they function. If you buy a new striker, you never know if it’s going to be successful or not.”
Hooper is likely to be in action again tonight when Celtic attempt to move further clear at the top of the table against Dundee United. Hoops’ team mate Adam Matthews believes the lure of a forthcoming Champions League last 16 tie against Juventus is a big reason for Hooper to stay put.
“We don’t want to sell him, he’s enjoying it here and I think he wants to stay,” said Matthews. “Everyone is looking forward to Juventus, it’s a massive game. Gary himself is looking forward to it, so as far as I know he’s happy to stay and I’m hoping that is the case. In the current market, Gary is worth way more than that (£5m). He showed against Hearts with the goals he scored that all of the talk isn’t going to affect him and he just has to keep it going.
“He’s quality as a player and quality as a goalscorer, so when you get someone like him in the box, you are going to get goals.”
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74 comments
I cant believe we missed Chris Wood. What a bargain. Sometimes you have to take a chance as we did with Holt. Murray also a similar player. Where are these so called scouts. We could all help couldnt we???At half the price. OTBC
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sharky
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Good analysis, wivenhoe. As much as I don`t want to believe it, I think City are "kite-flying" to appease we simple fans. :-(
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Mad Brewer
Thursday, January 24, 2013
AND should Swansea win against Bradford beat the villa City, Ghraham has european games to think about.
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wivenhoebudgie
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Just trying to get inside the head of a footballer and what would I do if, a. was playing for a team with a wembley final in a few weeks[and knew I would play] and b. was playing in a team in the champions league knock out phase and was certain to play. Its not every day you get to play in those sort of games.Might just stay, play and look for a summer move, unless it was one hell of a wage increase !
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wivenhoebudgie
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Does anyone know if CH actually has any overseas scouts, we could all have scouted DG and GH for him by watching Sky sports, he can't complain if they are then over priced. I hope there is a plan B or C. Plus we need a decent midfield player to replace Tetley or Johnson in the middle, and another centre half
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Canaryinslovenia
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
No need to worry now - according to Sky we have made a bid for an unknown Sierra Leone striker Kamara who plays in the American MLS for Sporting Kansas. Apparently his major achievement in his career to date is a weeks trial at Stoke last December. Could be the bargain of the century - On the other hand NCFC are now becoming a laughing stock in premiership circles.
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VictorM
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Runcible Spoon MB? I think Bewilderwood Manager Eddie Lear wants at least six squillion fairyland donuts for him. So he's out of reach too mate. OTCC (On The Cheap City)
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el dingo
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Spot on Canarygirl, 8 days to go, no sign of being anywhere near a signing.... sadly it all sounds very familiar.
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Henry
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Hot off the Press:- Bewilderwood`s in Oz, looking at a `keeper called Theoklitos.
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Mad Brewer
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Canarygirl, we could be all at sea in a beautiful yellow & pea-green boat; away for more than a year and a day if we don`t get a Runcible Spoon with a decent cutting edge. Or sunk.
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Mad Brewer
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The ether has twice ruled that I may not play with my friends today. :-(
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Mad Brewer
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Good stuff on here today, specially Pa "The Guru"Snipps, CanWest, Wiv, DocO & Kent. Probably Hooper would be no good as a lone striker? Despite all his valiant efforts, Holty`s can`t be enjoying it much either, can he? He quite likes the opportunity to score a goal occasionally! I`ve said it before, that Murray of C. Palace is (on paper) almost a Holty clone. Burnley`s Austin scores for fun - as does Leicester`s 6` 3" striker Chris Wood (TOO LATE!). OK they are not big name players but nor was Holty - he`s served us proudly - when given support. If our "back of a spoon attack" is not replaced at least by a Runcible one, we`ll be all at sea with the Owl & the Pussycat, in a beautiful yellow & pea-green boat. Sinking. Probably away for longer than a Year & a Day.
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Mad Brewer
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A lot of good stuff on here today, specially Pa (aka "The Guru")Snipps, CWest, Wiv, Doc & Kent. Certainly, Hooper would be no good as a lone striker - but despite all his valiant efforts, Holty`s not enjoying it much either, is he? He rather likes the opportunity to score a goal occasionally! I`ve said it before, that Murray @ Palace is (on paper at least) almost a Holty clone. Burnley`s Austin scores for fun - as does Leicester`s 6` 3" striker Chris Wood (TOO LATE!). OK they are not big name players but nor was Holty - he`s served us proudly - when given support. If our "back of a spoon attack" is not replaced at least by a Runcible one, we`ll be all at sea with the Owl & the Pussycat, in a beautiful yellow & pea-green boat. Sinking.
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Mad Brewer
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Yes Cov.. His arm .. he didn't buy a striker in the summer, after letting two disappear, and that when prices aren't so silly and clubs have more time. So why does anyboby expect Him to buy one now. This reminds of of another full back who was our manager. Michael Turner to be the new centre forward
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gordon52
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Time is running out looks like we r not going to get hooper put a bid in for austin cause celtic r just starting a bidding war lets sign the one they want. otbc
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pete22
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
This is going to be interesting. It's been a while since we challenged a big team for a signing. To be honest, I can't see us beating Spurs to Hooper if they put a bid in. Hopefully, CH has got something else up his sleeve.
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CovCanary
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Can we get Balotelli on loan for rest of season. Hes got the right colour hair!
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Henry
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
To be honest I am surprised by all this hype about Hooper, it is not NCFC style to keep increasing bids, but as we are here now keep the interest on the surface. Behind the scenes we should be after Austin, if we are looking in UK market, before too much speculation is generated here. How good is Hooper, playing for a good side in a relatively poor league? Murray has been doing the job at Palace and is another option but most definitely by end of window we need some new blood up front just to mix things up!! We will not stay up by defending alone, OTBC.
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johnnyp
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Beginning to wonder if these bids are just a smoke screen to fans to say they tried to spend money. Our history in transfer windows is not impressive but i feel now we really need to strengthen but fear we wont. We are in free fall and its all too familiar. The millions sucked in by this board will disappear. 5-1 for us to go down is a good bet
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AC Canary
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Welcome to the big leagues guys. We are chasing a very highly rated player, if you can't handle the pressure associated with it then go and watch the league one DVD.
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Steady On
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Well if it is as everyone seems to think, we won't get either Hooper or Graham let's hope other strikers are being looked at; otherwise we will be up the creek without a canoe let alone a paddle. This is all rather worrying at the moment because I do fear we are on a downward slide that we will struggle to recover from!! otbc
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Canarygirl
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Dear sussex , the more we need a striker the more 'keepers we accumulate. Its a [ to borrow from Brewer] a bewilderwood thing.
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wivenhoebudgie
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Lee Camp's medical is taking quite a while?
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Kent Anglian
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
yup buying a player in January is costly , difficult and rushed - so why didn't we buy a striker last summer when everyone could see one was needed?
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SussexYellow
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I have to agree with Kent Anglian: R. Martin is worth a try up front, Especially when Whits is back. All these goalkeeper signings (if we do get Camp) seem a little strange, Rudd is a great backup for Bunn, if not replacement and Steer looks halfway decent too. It does all hint at a Ruddy departure I'm afraid. With 3 of the next 4 games at home here's hoping for some improved results. OTBC!
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MrCarrowIsInTheHouse
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
R we serious about staying in prem offer 5m turned down go back with 6 m turned down lets go back with 9m or spurs will get him come on mr mcnally lets show them we mean buisnes and not just a little club from norfolk if swansea can buy the players that they have surely we can do we want pl football ?????????? Otbc
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pete22
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I lost sympathy with Sir Paul a while ago now. Still, it's him who will be laughing all the way to the bank if he does get sacked which is looking ever more likely after that showing and result. Lets face it, he's not going to be out of work for long. Aston Villa and their pathetic squad was just a bridge too far!
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baguio
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I think we have lost out on Hooper. My media contacts in London tell me that AVB in Glasgow tonight and an £8M bid from Spurs is in the pipeline. The same source says that Graham is holding out hoping for a bid from Newcastle. This potential bid means that both Grahams agent, and Swansea are sitting awaiting developments. The likely outcome is Norwich switching attention to Burnley. If Ged really needs the inside line.......come to the Algarve Canary.
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Algarve Canary
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Will Lambert still have a job in the morning?
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MBA Marine
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Celtic have said no to the improved bid, Neil Lennon did not seem to think it was much improved by his comments
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wivenhoebudgie
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Sorry...La Liga!
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malaga flier
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Anyone seen any football results tonight?
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DocOhNo
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
There are much better players to be found overseas and often at far less cost. It's not just the big clubs who benefit from shopping overseas. Ask Swansea, who have recruited three excellent players from Las Liga in Spain and at sensible money. How far does our scouting network extend? Celtic Park? If so it is too late to start looking now. Norwich City find themselves in an inflated market mainly because we seem only to be looking around our domestic leagues.
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malaga flier
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It wouldnt surprise me if we didnt sign any striker - seems to be the same every transfer window!
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Henry
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It wouldnt surprise me if we didnt sign any striker - seems to be the same every transfer window!
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Henry
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Another 2 goals from Hooper tonight for Celtic.Another £2 million on the price.City are going to have to dig a lot deeper into the Carrow Road coffers to get their man.
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Peter Watson
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Well, I think that Hooper would be mad to even consider ManU or Spurs; he wouldn't get a look in!! Perhaps McNarly is just trying to wear down Celtic to except what he is willing to pay. I still have a gut feeling we will get him in the end. Wonder what the latest is on Graham; seems to have gone quiet there!! otbc
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Canarygirl
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Can Hooper play midfield too? Perhaps Hoots master plan is to play Hoops in the Wes role behind Holty, or Danny Graham if we get both. Be good to have some real competition up front.
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Double D
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Rejected. Celtic said "if you'd call it an improved bid, it was nowhere near the 6million mark." Don't understand why the 'improved bid' which we were readying is barely improved, Norwich board just need to dip in to their pockets in my opinion.
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Billy
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
All sounds risky now Holt's name is in the fame - we end up not getting Hooper and we unsettle Holt. Not a good idea...
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richard
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Our improved bid has been turned down, AVB and Sir Alex are in the stands watching Celtic
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MBA Marine
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
to survive in the prem you need to spend big or be very lucky.we were lucky last season!Enough said!
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tonyb
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Ladies-Gents....we need Prem class players not championship or Scottish Prem!! Time we spent some cash abroad and brought in some real Talent
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dave123
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
What mileage is there in the Grant Holt plus cash deal? Is there any substance to this? It does say that City are looking to spend money to get some one in to get the goals to ensure we stay up. There is still time. The Spurs game is on Wed 30th, not before.
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Capri
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Well done Dr! ….Everyone comes on board eventually. Just need Hoots to see the light.
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Pa Snipps
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
As another off the wall suggestion, how about Pilks in a more central role? It worked for VaVaBoom Henri, it seems to be working for Walcott, so why not try Pilks?
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DocOhNo
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
If he goes to spurs he wont b the first choice striker probaly no2 or3 otbc
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pete22
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Just watch that lad Wells playing for Bradford tonight!..Opinions tomorrow!
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Pa Snipps
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Just watch that lad Wells playing for Bradford tonight!..Opinions tomorrow!
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Pa Snipps
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It's 22nd January and still no signings, which is absolutely fine..... if you're Man Utd.....
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wisemanthree
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Looks like we can forget this one, Spurs are now sniffing around Celtic Park.
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blackdog2
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Goals win games. Good strikers score goals. Good strikers cost money. NCFC need to open the purse strings. Or face championship footy next year. Whats £10m comapred with the revenue of the premier league. Simples!!!!
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Neil
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
How about an 'off the wall' suggestion? If we cannot get a decent striker at a decent price, what about moving Russell Martin up front as a striker. He loves to get forward and has taken his goals really well when pushed forward this year and it was he who came closest to scoring against Newcastle. If Whittaker is not fit, then either of the Bennett boys could play at right back.....or even George Francomb but he has come through the Academy so may not be considered!
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Kent Anglian
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I think the loyalty shown to Holt is somewhat misguided. Yes he maybe our best striker but he has only scored four goals so far. He is overweight, does not appear to be that fit and is woefully slow. To replace him with a striker who can score 15 - 20 goals a season would be a great plus at this point in time.
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VictorM
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
What happened to looking abroad for a striker as they were deemed better value? Surely when he said looking abroad Hughton didnt just mean Wales and Scotland!!!
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CanaryWest
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Will Hooper really be happy to play as a lone striker, especially given his lack of height? Lets face it thats what he will have to do as we all know Hughton has ZERO flexibility when it comes to adapting his formations. P.S. I agree Austin is definately worth a look and I am surprised we have not been in for him before.
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CanaryWest
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
What happened to looking abroad for a striker as they were deemed better value? Surely when he said looking abroad Hughton didnt just mean Wales and Scotland!!!
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CanaryWest
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Will Hooper really be happy to play as a lone striker, especially given his lack of height? Lets face it thats what he will have to do as we all know Hughton has ZERO flexibility when it comes to adapting his formations. P.S. I agree Austin is definately worth a look and I am surprised we have not been in for him before.
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CanaryWest
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Will Hooper really be happy to play as a lone striker, especially given his lack of height? Lets face it thats what he will have to do as we all know Hughton has ZERO flexibility when it comes to adapting his formations. P.S. I agree Austin is definately worth a look and I am surprised we have not been in for him before.
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CanaryWest
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I said about Austin earlier in the season, and would be happy for him too, but suspected at the time he would cost too much. However it seems that we are willing to push the boat out a bit so maybe...
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Preston Canary
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I would love to see Hooper here, but not at the cost of losing Holty. He gives more than just his ability on the pitch and is a true legend of the club on a par with Iwan Roberts.
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Preston Canary
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
£4 million for Charlie Austin from Burnley or Glenn Murray from Palace should do it. Both would be hungry to impress and better value for money. Tell Celtic to get lost or sell to Spurs.
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Kent Anglian
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Spurs? Accepting a bid from a club that ditched him as a youngster? I would be surprised if he was attracted by that.
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LittleYellowBirdie
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Oi hoop yer roight, Timbo. I also hope that the bean counters at Carra Rud are not taking the p**s.
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Mad Brewer
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Hmmm...judging by the picture Hooper also has the power to send off opposition players. Could come in very handy.....
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Timbo
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Spurs have funny money, we don`t. £1 million Chris Wood is doing fine at Leicester, an opportunity lost?. I will try to say this onnly wernce. ;-)
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Mad Brewer
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Spurs are in for him apparently, just broke via the Metro.
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Dave.B
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Spurs are in for him apparently, just broke via the Metro.
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Dave.B
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
If celtic think he is worth 10m or more have city got the bottle to sign him or will celtic just price him out of our budget r we ambitous enough to go for him otbc
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pete22
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I, too, was wondering about the repeat, JMH. Glitch in the matrix, maybe.
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CovCanary
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
...and why did it repeat my comment twice in the same comment???
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JMH
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
What is the thinking behind offering our best striker as part of a bid for a new striker? Surely not a step forward. why not Morison andor martin,What is the thinking behind offering our best striker as part of a bid for a new striker? Surely not a step forward. why not Morison andor martin?
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CovCanary
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Why are we not buying Charlie Austin? And why would we want to get rid of Holty? And why are we only playing one up front,Why are we not buying Charlie Austin? And why would we want to get rid of Holty? And why are we only playing one up front? Enough Whyning...
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JMH
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
looks like he might be on his way.
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MBA Marine
Tuesday, January 22, 2013