HOOPER SIGNS

Norwich recently managed to win the race to sign Celtic striker Gary Hooper, who has been the top scorer in Scotland for the last three years.

The 25-year-old was recently signed by Norwich city for around £ 5.5 million, and he has signed a four-year contract with the Premier league outfit. QPR were one of the teams in the race to sign the Englishman, but manager Harry Redknapp believes that the urgency shown by Norwich proved to be the difference in the end.

Norwich were very keen to sign a new striker after the loss of Grant Holt in the summer. The striker has signed for Wigan athletic for a transfer fee believed to be around £ 2 million. After their failure to score goals on a consistent basis in the pre-season, manager Chris Hughton was keen on strengthening the forward line up. Redknapp, who is now targeting a straight return to the Premier league, is also on the lookout for a new striker. Remy, who was signed for a club record £ 8 million in January, is expected to leave on a loan deal.

Newcastle have been showing a lot of interest in the French international. Redknapp has said that Hooper was keen on a move to QPR before the serious interest from Norwich.

“You can’t hang about. I could write a book about players that I have signed and lost over the years. Deals have got to be done quickly and it dragged on probably two-and-a-half months altogether that deal. It was miles too long. It should have been done, but that’s how it goes, we learn from that one and move on. We can’t make that same mistake again. If we’re after a player and we really want him and he wants to come,” said Harry Redknapp.