SOUTHAMPTON striker Billy Sharp is on Neil Lennon’s hitlist as Gary Hooper edges towards the Parkhead exit door. And SunSport can reveal that long-term targets Charlie Austin of Burnley and Wolves’ Kevin Doyle remain high in Hoops boss Lennon’s thinking. Top scorer Hooper seems likely to be sold soon in a £5million-plus deal, with Norwich City and QPR vying for his signature and both edging closer to Celtic’s valuation. SunSport understands West Ham are also considering a move for the frontman who cost Celtic £2.4m in 2010. The striker, 25, has shown no interest in extending a contract that expires in 2014 and has made it clear he wants a return south. Lennon has worries over the firepower at his disposal going into Wednesday’s Champions League qualifying tie against Cliftonville. A groin injury has meant Hooper’s barely featured in four warm-up defeats which have produced just three goals. The £1.5m-rated Sharp, 27, was strongly linked with a move to Celtic in 2007 before joining Sheffield United. He’s since established himself as a proven scorer at Championship level with Doncaster and Southampton. Sharp, on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, is not in Saints’ plans and is keen to move. SunSport believes he’d seriously consider a move north. Austin, 24, saw a £4m move to Hull collapse after he failed a medical over a knee issue but admirer Lennon hasn’t been put off. Meanwhile, Doyle, 29, is unhappy at the prospect of life in League One with Wolves.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 05:52:52 +0000
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