Liverpool hopes of signing both Celtic forward Gary Hooper and Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic are in ruins.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the pair in recent weeks as Brendan Rodgers plans ahead of an expected January transfer window spending spree.

With Fabio Borini out for the next three months with a broken foot, and having missed out on a move from Clint Dempsey on deadline day in the summer, Rodgers is likely to make a move for additional attacking resources, but according to Hoops boss Neil Lennon, Hooper will not be making the move to Anfield.

Hooper scored 24 goals in the SPL last season.

"It is speculation," Lennon said. "It wouldn't surprise me if there are a number of clubs in for Gary because of the way he is but I would poo-poo the Liverpool link.

"We are still in negotiations at the minute and I don't think we are too far away [from signing new contract]. There will be interest in them (Hooper and Forster) but they are not going anywhere.

"Fraser has signed a new contract and hopefully we are close to getting Gary's signature. If there are offers coming in, they will have to meet our valuation."

Hooper finished as the SPL's top scorer last season, after netting 24 goals as Celtic strolled to the title.

The 24 year old has been linked with a potential international call-up with England, but while his hopes with his country might still be in the blocks, rumours over a move across the border persist.

Ilicic scored just twice in Serie A last season.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are understood to have made no contact over a potential move for Palermo start Ilicic, following reports the club had watched him during the league encounter against Genoa.

Ilicic was part of a struggling Palermo side last season in Serie A and one that this term are currently in the bottom three after one win in their opening seven league games.

But rumours that Ilicic will jump the sinking ship have been quashed by his agent, who says Liverpool have made no contact over his availability

"Are Inter Milan interested in him?" his agent Amir Ruznic told calciomercato.com. "I have received no phone calls from the Inter management.

"What about Liverpool? I have read something in the newspapers, but I know no more.

"About a possible transfer in January? I don't think it's a deal for the winter market."

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