North East rivals ready to clash for ex-Spurs star

Reports are suggesting that Sunderland and Newcastle could be ready to go to war once again – but this time it’s over the signature of Celtic striker, Gary Hooper.

The 23 year-old is attracting a boatload of European interest following his exploits over the past season after his 2010 move from Scunthorpe.

Tottenham let the forward leave the club at the age of 14, but could be regretting that decision as Hooper has made a rise through the ranks of English football that can only be described as meteoric.

Grays Athletic snapped Hooper up after his departure from White Hart Lane, and it was with Athletic that he would finish off his youth training before going on to play in just about every tier of English football.

The striker now has just the top flight left to conquer after dominating the Scottish Premier League for the past 18 months.

Hooper has scored 31 goals in 44 games for the Bhoys and has been associated with a number of Premier League and Championship outfits, as well as a number of sides on the continent.

Sunderland are short of attacking options, with only Nicklas Bendtner to provide a tested Premier League striking threat, which isn’t saying that much.

Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-Won provide offensive support, however the former has actually taken over the starting spot in recent weeks and despite any promise the 18 year-old may promise, he doesn’t yet have top flight defences quaking in their boots.

Newcastle have a lot more in regards to options but are still searching for another goal threat as they continue to be linked with forwards.

Demba Ba has been in fine form since his switch from West Ham, however Leon Best and Shola Ameobi haven’t replaced the scoring form of January departure, Andy Carroll.

Celtic won’t want to let go of their star hitman, but if either club should match their £8m valuation, they may have no choice but to let the former Scunthorpe man leave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom is one of our most experienced contributors, with over a decade of online publishing. A Man Utd fan, Thomas brings you all the latest news from UK football.

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