Celtic are stepping up their pursuit of Scunthorpe United striker Gary Hooper.

The Daily Mail says stand-in manager Neil Lennon has identified Scunthorpe's Hooper as a leading candidate and made personal checks on the 20-goal forward.

Wolves, Wigan, Coventry and Ipswich have also watched Hooper, but it's understood Celtic and Derby have been strongest in their interest so far.

The 22-year-old has a year left on his contract and has seen his value rocket since making a £175,000 move from Southend in July 2008.