Bruce: Second bid for Hooper unlikely

Steve Bruce has cast doubt on the likelihood of Hull City making a second bid for Celtic striker Gary Hooper.

The Humberside club are attempting to bolster their attacking options ahead of their return to the Premier League, but had an offer of around £4.5 million rejected earlier in the transfer window.

Celtic are believed to be willing to sell the Englishman, who netted 31 goals in 51 appearances last season, but only for a higher sum.

Bruce does not expect an increased bid to be lodged, however, despite seeing a move for Burnley forward Charlie Austin collapse due to a failed medical.

“We had a bid for him rejected and I can’t see there being any change in that,” he told BBC Radio Humberside.

“We’ve got other irons in the fire and we hope that we can get one or two strikers in before the start of the season.

“It’s obvious that we struggled to score goals last season so that has got to be the aim for us. We’ve still got six weeks before the season starts and we’re actively looking.”

Hull will compete in the English top flight next term after finishing second in the Championship in 2012-13.

Midfielder Robert Koren top scored for Bruce’s men last season, despite only notching nine goals in all competitions.