Celtic turn down Hooper bid

18 January 2013 14:17

Celtic have rejected an offer from Norwich for striker Gary Hooper.

Manager Neil Lennon confirmed his club had turned down the bid after reports emerged in England.

Lennon said: "The bid has been rejected. We had discussions with his representatives this morning and we are waiting to hear back from them."

Celtic have been attempting to persuade the English striker to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Lennon, whose team face Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League next month, said: "We are in a good position. We don't want to sell, we feel we have a lot to look forward to in the second half of the season.

"We don't want any of our top players to go and Gary comes into that bracket."

Lennon added: "I've not spoken to him because I was with his representatives most of the morning. I'm sure they'll have a discussion later on.

"Our case is simple - you are not going. He has a year and a half on his contract and he's a Celtic player."

Source: PA