Cheltenham manager Keith Downing has made a bid for Southend striker Gary Hooper as he looks to find a replacement for Steven Gillespie.The transfer-listed 20-year-old is valued at around £100,000 and scored 12 goals in 19 games while on loan at Hereford last season, and Downing has identified him as his number one choice to replace Gillespie, who moved to Colchester earlier this week.

Downing told the club's official website: "We've made an offer for Gary Hooper but we know there are other clubs in for him. He is my top target at the moment but if he doesn't come we'll move on to the next one."

Despite adding only midfielder Alex Russell to his squad, Downing is refusing to panic over the club's lack of new signings.

He added: "It's a case of not panicking and clubs will be sorting out their teams and looking around over the next few weeks.

"There are a lot of players available at the moment and a lot of clubs are still looking to finalise their squads so we are no different."

Hooper has also been linked with Stockport and Scunthorpe.

More Football News from TEAMtalk