Lennon holding Hooper hope

Published Jul. 21, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Celtic manager Neil Lennon concedes that talks remain ongoing regarding Queens Park Rangers' move for Gary Hooper, but he hopes the striker will stay at Parkhead.

It was revealed earlier in the week that QPR had tabled an increased offer for Hooper.

Celtic have successfully fended off interest in the 25-year-old in the past, with various clubs in England having attempted to lure him away from Parkhead.

QPR are the latest side to give negotiations a go and are currently locked in transfer discussions.

Lennon says he has no idea how those talks will play out, but he would be delighted if Hooper ends up staying in Glasgow and spearheading another push for domestic and European success.

He told Sky Sports News: "There has been a bid in, but negotiations are ongoing.

"We would still like to keep the player. He will be training tomorrow (Sunday) and will be part of the squad against Cliftonville.

"I don't know if the deal will go through or not. If it doesn't, then I'll be delighted because we will still have a very good player in the squad."