Tigers need to up offer after bid for highly-regarded Hooper is rejected

The 25-year-old is at the top of manager Steve Bruce’s wish-list of forwards to sign before the start of the Premier League season – but despite seeing their big-money offer turned down yesterday, the Tigers are expected to maintain their interest and potentially go back in with an improved bid.

The clock is ticking regarding the future of Hooper, who could leave for nothing when his Hoops contract runs out next June.

But while Celtic are mindful that the time is approaching when they may have to take a more pragmatic stance and accept a decent-sized bid rather than risk losing Hooper on a free transfer, they are remaining resolute in their valuation of the player.

As it stands, they are not expected to entertain doing any business unless a bid of around £5m is tabled. Several other English clubs are also interested in Hooper, including Reading – with a potential bidding war something that would be very much in Celtic’s interests.

Hooper is expected to leave Scotland this summer with talks regarding a new deal having come to nothing so far and the former Scunthorpe United marksman is keen to try his hand in the Premier League.

Hooper has a proven track record in the SPL, having plundered over 80 goals in his three seasons at Parkhead.

Despite reported interest in the likes of Wigan’s Arouna Kone and Burnley’s Charlie Austin, Hooper is believed to very much be Hull’s prime forward target.

Tigers defender Paul McShane is on the verge of signing a new three-year-deal, with Liam Rosenior and James Chester – also considering new contract offers – also expected to commit to the club shortly.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday are leading the race to sign veteran striker Kevin Davies, with Blackpool also keen on signing the 36-year-old, recently released by Bolton Wanderers.

Owls boss Dave Jones is a big fan of the Sheffield-born forward, who he brought to old club Southampton from Chesterfield back in May 1997.

Davies is currently playing in a Legends tournament in Barbados, but is expected to sort out his future once he returns.

York City are competing with Southend United to sign Torquay United forward Rene Howe, who is expected to leave Plainmoor.

Howe, who hit 16 goals for the Gulls last term, is out of contract at the end of this month, with Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United and MK Dons also interested.