Source: team_talk
Hooper's Liverpool link denied
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has denied contract talks with Gary Hooper have broken down and played down reports linking the striker with Liverpool.
With Fabio Borini expected to be out for up to three months with a broken foot and Andy Carroll on loan at West Ham, Luis Suarez is now the only senior striker available to Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers, who is reportedly interested in the 24-year-old former Scunthorpe player.
"It is speculation," said Lennon. "It wouldn't surprise me if there are a number of clubs in for Gary because of the way he is but I would poo-poo that (Liverpool link).
"We are still in negotiations at the minute and I don't think we are too far away.
"There will be interest in them (Hooper and keeper Fraser Forster) but they are not going anywhere.
"Fraser has signed a new contract and hopefully we are close to getting Gary's signature.
"If there are offers coming in, they will have to pay what we feel the valuation is."
Lennon is hoping that midfielder Victor Wanyama also signs a new deal.
He said: "We are hoping to meet his representative again next week.
"He has been offered a new contract. We don't have to offer him a new contract, his (current one) still has a couple of years to run but we feel it is a reward for performances he has put in since he came in the door.
"Whether his agent feels it is sufficient - that's what negotiations are all about.
"Hopefully we can come to a conclusion about that as well."
