Sunderland want Gary Hooper?

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has reportedly identified Gary Hooper as the player to end the club's recent goalscoring problems.

O'Neill is said to be concerned with his side's failings in front of goal in the Premier League so far this season, with only Steven Fletcher and Stephane Sessegnon having found the net on more than one occasion.

Following a number of scouting missions, O'Neill has set his sights on landing Celtic's Hooper and is readying a £10m bid for the upcoming January transfer window, according to The People.

However, any move for Hooper is believed to be dependent upon whether or not Celtic reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Should Neil Lennon's team reach the final 16 of Europe's top club competition, it is thought that they will look to keep hold of the 24-year-old until at least the summer.

Hooper joined the Bhoys from League One side Scunthorpe United in 2010.