Source: PA
Hoops step up interest in duo
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed the club are close to deals for Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper and Israel midfielder Biram Kayal. Hooper was left out of Scunthorpe's friendly against Sheffield Wednesday as Celtic close in on a deal worth around £2million. Maccabi Haifa midfielder Kayal, 22, looks set to snub offers from Galatasaray and Twente Enschede to join Lennon's host of summer signings. Another newcomer, former Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy, put himself in contention for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Braga when he netted in a 4-1 friendly victory over Lincoln yesterday. Cha Du-ri and Efrain Juarez are expected to travel to Portugal too as they formalise their moves to Parkhead. Lennon said: "We are close to being over the line with Hooper and Kayal, and Cha and Juarez should be fine to travel."
