Celtic reportedly accept Hooper bid from QPR

Scottish champions set to lose top marksman to Championship side

Celtic are believed to have accepted a bid from QPR for  Gary Hooper. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire
Celtic are believed to have accepted a bid from QPR for Gary Hooper. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

Celtic have reportedly accepted an increased offer from Queens Park Rangers for English striker Gary Hooper.

The Scottish champions successfully fended off interest in the 25-year-old in the past, with Norwich City having a bid rejected on the final day of the January transfer window.

Hooper arrived at Celtic Park from Scunthorpe for a fee around €2.8 million in July 2010 and has scored 82 goals in 138 appearances.

Nottingham Forest were also in contact over a possible transfer though Hoops manager Neil Lennon had not given up hope of keeping his prolific marksman.

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Hooper has been the club’s leading marksman in all three of his Parkhead seasons but is in the final year of his contract and could leave for free in 12 months’ time.

Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama (21) has already moved south, to the Premier League, to join Southampton in a deal believed to be worth €14.5m to Celtic.