The former Southend frontman, who is under contract until the summer of 2011, was the subject of an approach from QPR on transfer deadline day.

But Murphy is confident Hooper would sign a new deal and has urged the Iron's hierarchy to ensured their prized asset remains at Glanford Park.

"I'm not surprised other Championship clubs are looking at Hoops because I knew from day one, in his very first training session with us, there was potential there." Murphy told the Scunthorpe Telegraph.

"I spoke to Hoops about the QPR talk and about being at Scunny in general and he's happy here.

"If the club offered him a new deal I'm sure he'd be be keen to sign it, which is good for us because if we lost him we'd lose a massive goal threat."