Transfer round-up: Hull, Blades, Doncaster, Huddersfield, Leeds, Barnsley
The Tigers are in the hunt for a proven striker and are reportedly ready to test the resolve of the Hoops board with a bid for the 25-year-old, who could lose him for nothing when his contract expires next summer.
Celtic have held talks over a contract extension with Hooper, whose double in the Scottish Cup final against Hibs took his seasonal tally to 31, for a number of months, but an agreement is not in sight.
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Hide AdHooper, subject of a failed bid from Norwich City in January, is understood to be aware of the Tigers’ interest.
Meanwhile, the Tigers, who completed the permanent capture of George Boyd on a two-year-deal yesterday, are speaking with Ahmed Elmohamady’s agent in the hope of also turning his successful loan into a full-time switch.
But with Elmohamady on international business with Egypt for three weeks, boss Steve Bruce may have to play a waiting game, with the Sunderland winger also interesting two rivals top-flight clubs.
Hull, who have also been linked with a move for Leicester City and former Leeds United keeper Kasper Schmeichel, have reportedly seen talks stall regarding a new deal with key defender James Chester, who has just 12 months of his KC Stadium deal still to run.
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Hide AdAston Villa and Newcastle United are believed to be monitoring the situation.
Huddersfield Town are being linked with a fresh bid for young Walsall winger Jamie Paterson, 21.
Town saw an offer for the highly-rated player, who scored 13 goals for the Saddlers in 2012-13, turned down last week, rumoured to be in the region of £750,000.
Coventry-born Paterson has also been watched by Burnley.
Doncaster Rovers defender Tommy Spurr, out of contract at the end of June, is being linked with a number of rival Championship clubs, including Derby County and Ipswich Town.
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Hide AdRovers have yet to agree fresh terms with the former Sheffield Wednesday player, one of the key defensive cogs of their League One title-winning line-up, with Reading, Blackburn and Birmingham also believed to be in the hunt.
On the incoming front, Rovers continue to be linked with Oldham Athletic wingman Lee Croft, who will leave Boundary Park this summer.
Barnsley, keen to sign Chris O’Grady on a permanent basis, have agreed terms with full-back Tom Kennedy, who has agreed a new two-year deal with the Oakwell club.
Midfielder Kelvin Etuhu is also thought to have agreed a new deal.
Young winger Adam Baker has been released by Bradford City.