Sunderland join Gary Hooper race

Sunderland have reportedly joined a growing list of Premier League clubs by declaring their interest in signing Celtic striker Gary Hooper this summer.

Hooper scored 31 goals to help Celtic secure a domestic double last season, with the forward's free-scoring form taking him to the fringes of international recognition.

The 25-year-old has been consistently linked with a move to Everton, Southampton and Norwich City in recent months but Paolo Di Canio's side are the latest to covet his services, according to the Daily Mail.

Norwich had a pair of bids rejected for Hooper in January but Celtic boss Neil Lennon may be forced to sell his talisman this summer, with the forward's contract set to expire in 2014.

Sunderland are thought to be confident of landing Hooper on a £7m deal and also believe they can match the striker's wage demands.