Post by QPR Report on May 27, 2010 11:43:35 GMT
[Wonder what the truth was re whether QPR actually made a bid for last year. I seem to recall Paladini said we had made a bid. But Sc*n*horpe said we hadn't... (Have to look for that!)]
Express and Star
Wolves’ tug of war over Gary Hooper
Thursday 27th May 2010, 11:00AM BST.
Wolves could be involved in a tug of war with Wigan for the second summer in a row – this time over £2.5million-rated Sc*n*horpe striker Gary Hooper.
The Iron chairman Steve Wharton revealed several bids have been tabled for the 22-year-old but not from Celtic, who have been heavily linked after interim boss Neil Lennon watched Hooper.
Nonetheless, interest from Middlesbrough is expected to force the hands of the Premier League duo into firming up offers.
Wolves, who were pipped by Wigan for James McCarthy last July, want a striker after missing out on Aruna Dindane and have been long-term watchers of Hooper, who has a close friend at Molineux in winger Michael Kightly.
They played together at non-League Grays and Kightly’s recommendation to Steve Tilson saw him sign for Southend.
Despite Lennon’s scouting mission, Sc*n*horpe centre-back Kenny Milne believes the striker’s Premier League suitors have already won his heart over Parkhead.
He said: “I think he’s destined for the Premier League. His heart is set on it.
“There are a few big teams down here and there could be a bit of a bidding war for him.”
Hooper attracted a bid from QPR in January and is a target of Derby County, as well as having been linked with six other Championship clubs.
Southend, who were paid £175,000 for Hooper two years ago, are due 20 per cent of the profit on his sale.
Although not electric, 5ft 9ins Hooper comes alive in the penalty area and has a poacher’s record of 50 goals in 95 games in two years at Sc*n*horpe.
His team-mate, former Albion and Walsall keeper Joe Murphy, said: “All the lads knew how good ‘Hoops’ was going to be during the first couple of days after he came in.
“He was an extremely quiet lad, but then he did something in training that made us all look at each other. You just knew then there was something there.
“I don’t understand how someone so talented had never been picked up. He’s got a great physique, a small bulky lad who’s a great finisher.
“He works hard and he’s strong, really he’s got everything to his game.”
Hooper declared his intention on May 15 to see out the final year of his contract, but that now remains to be seen.
www.expressandstar.com/sport/2010/05/27/wolves-tug-of-war-over-gary-hooper/
Express and Star
Wolves’ tug of war over Gary Hooper
Thursday 27th May 2010, 11:00AM BST.
Wolves could be involved in a tug of war with Wigan for the second summer in a row – this time over £2.5million-rated Sc*n*horpe striker Gary Hooper.
The Iron chairman Steve Wharton revealed several bids have been tabled for the 22-year-old but not from Celtic, who have been heavily linked after interim boss Neil Lennon watched Hooper.
Nonetheless, interest from Middlesbrough is expected to force the hands of the Premier League duo into firming up offers.
Wolves, who were pipped by Wigan for James McCarthy last July, want a striker after missing out on Aruna Dindane and have been long-term watchers of Hooper, who has a close friend at Molineux in winger Michael Kightly.
They played together at non-League Grays and Kightly’s recommendation to Steve Tilson saw him sign for Southend.
Despite Lennon’s scouting mission, Sc*n*horpe centre-back Kenny Milne believes the striker’s Premier League suitors have already won his heart over Parkhead.
He said: “I think he’s destined for the Premier League. His heart is set on it.
“There are a few big teams down here and there could be a bit of a bidding war for him.”
Hooper attracted a bid from QPR in January and is a target of Derby County, as well as having been linked with six other Championship clubs.
Southend, who were paid £175,000 for Hooper two years ago, are due 20 per cent of the profit on his sale.
Although not electric, 5ft 9ins Hooper comes alive in the penalty area and has a poacher’s record of 50 goals in 95 games in two years at Sc*n*horpe.
His team-mate, former Albion and Walsall keeper Joe Murphy, said: “All the lads knew how good ‘Hoops’ was going to be during the first couple of days after he came in.
“He was an extremely quiet lad, but then he did something in training that made us all look at each other. You just knew then there was something there.
“I don’t understand how someone so talented had never been picked up. He’s got a great physique, a small bulky lad who’s a great finisher.
“He works hard and he’s strong, really he’s got everything to his game.”
Hooper declared his intention on May 15 to see out the final year of his contract, but that now remains to be seen.
www.expressandstar.com/sport/2010/05/27/wolves-tug-of-war-over-gary-hooper/