Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper is proving to be the most highly sought after players outside the Premiership. With Hooper entering the final year of his contract, Scunthorpe are looking to cash in on their prized asset.

The battle appears to be between Celtic, Leeds, Blackpool and Derby. Middlesbrough were interested in the striker, but after the signing of Kris Boyd, they look to have pulled out of the race. It appears that Scunthorpe are holding out for up to £3million, a high price for a player who will be able to leave for free next summer.

Leeds have been linked with Hooper by Championship betting pundits on and off for a while now. With Jermaine Beckford's departure to Everton, Leeds will be looking to fill the gap up-front. Blackpool will offer the player the chance in the Premiership, albeit maybe for only a season.

Derby boss Nigel Clough has made it clear the asking price is too high for his club as he looks to sign a player before Championship and Carling Cup Betting kicks into gear next month.

Scottish giants Celtic sent scouts to watch Hooper last season and were impressed. Neil Lennon is rumoured to be weighing up a bid, after his team lost Robbie Keane and Diomansy Kamara at the end of last season.

The 22 year old has his best season of his career last term, he scored 20 goals in a Scunthorpe team who struggled much of the season.

After only scoring twice in two years at Southend, Hooper was loaned out to Leyton Orient and Hereford before being snapped up by Scunthorpe. Under Nigel Adkins, Hooper has turned into one of the best strikers outside the Premiership. At just 22, Hooper is still developing as a player. It remains to be seen at which club he will continue to develop.