Spurs ‘ready to bid for Celtic’s Gary Hooper’

TOTTENHAM Hotspur are reportedly considering a bid for Celtic striker Gary Hooper as the January transfer deadline draws near.

• Tottenham join race for Gary Hooper

• Celtic striker has been subject of two failed bids from Norwich

Hooper has been the subject of two confirmed bids from Norwich, but as the Canaries prepare a third and likely final offer for Hooper - expected to be in the region of £8 million - Andre Villas-Boas is thought to be pondering a move for Celtic’s in-form forward.

Tottenham succumbed to defeat in the FA Cup without a recognised striker, which would hasten the need for Villas-Boas to recruit a goalscorer as they push for a Champions League place.

While the 25-year-old would prefer a move to boyhood club Spurs, Norwich remain in contention as they prepare to table a third bid, according to the Daily Record.

Villas-Boas had previously said that additions to his squad in January were unlikely, but he has since fast-tracked a deal for Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby.