Celtic expect in-demand Hooper to leave

Norwich, Hull City and QPR transfer target Gary Hooper looks to be on his way out of Celtic, according to assistant manager Johan Mjallby.

Hooper, 25, is a man in demand after scoring 31 goals in all competitions for Celtic last term and Premier League clubs Norwich and Hull have had close-season bids for the striker rejected.

QPR also joined the chase on Monday, but saw their initial bid turned down by the Scottish Premier League champions.

But Hooper’s departure seems imminent according to Mjallby, with Celtic – who received an increased bid from QPR late on Monday – likely to receive more than £5 million for the forward.

Mjallby said on Tuesday: “A bid (from QPR) came in last night. I don’t know how the club has responded to it.

“They increased the bid a wee bit when it came in. If it is good enough, I don’t know. That’s something you have to ask the chief executive, the manager and the board.

“We know it looks likely right now that Gary is going to leave the club. I’m not too sure the final word has been said yet. We have to wait and see.

“I think the club is going to sit down and think about it. If he has played his last game, I don’t know.”

Celtic flew to Belfast on Tuesday ahead of their UEFA Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville on Wednesday.

Hooper did not travel with Celtic to Northern Ireland due to a groin strain, according to Mjallby.