THERE are four or five clubs showing an interest in Scunthorpe United striker Gary Hooper.

And though none of them has yet come up with a bid to match the Iron's asking price – believed to be around £2½million – a deal might not be far away.

That's the message from club chairman Steve Wharton as speculation continues to rage about the future of the 22-year-old striker.

Newly-promoted Premier League outfit Newcastle United are the latest club rumoured to be chasing the Scunthorpe hot-shot.

"There has been so much speculation in the media about Gary and most of it is rubbish," said Wharton.

"I am not going to get involved in responding to it.

"Everyone is aware that things are going on in the background.

"There are four or five clubs who have shown a potential interest in Gary.

"I am not going to tell you who they are, but it is fair to say that none of the offers we have received have matched the valuation that we have on him.

"If they had, then Gary would probably not still be here now.

"Negotiations are quite difficult at this level. There is a lot of money involved.

"I am sure there might be an element of brinkmanship involved but I do feel we are reaching a stage where we are not a long, long way apart.

"But we are not going to let Gary go for less than we think he is worth."

Hooper was expected to feature in United's official team photograph for 2010/11 which was due to be taken at Glanford Park today.

Wharton also expects him to be involved in Saturday's pre-season friendly at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

"I would love to see Gary still playing for us this season," the United chairman confessed.

"But the reality is, if someone comes along with the sort of bid we are looking for, then it would be difficult for us to turn it down.

"And from Gary's point of view, he would not be very happy if he was denied the opportunity to join a bigger club."

United are looking for a club record deal for Hooper, who cost them £175,000 from Southend two years ago.

The Shrimpers also have a 20 per cent sell-on clause on their former player, who did not make the grade at Roots Hall.

Scunthorpe's current record deal is £2million for striker Billy Sharp's move back to Sheffield United three years ago.

Celtic, Middlesbrough, Leeds and Derby County have all been linked in the media with an interest in Hooper – but it may well be there is a club that has managed to stay lurking under the radar that could prove his final destination.