KEVIN Bond has shot down rumours of Gary Hooper returning to Southend United.

The former Shrimpers striker, who has just been released by Sheffield Wednesday, posted a picture of the club’s Boots & Laces training ground on his Instagram story earlier this week.

But Hooper is not on Bond’s wanted list this summer.

“Gary Hooper would be news to me,” said Bond.

“I know nothing about that one and that’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

Hooper lined up for Grays Athletic as a youngster before joining Blues in 2006, scoring four goals in 44 games.

However, after leaving, Hooper became a regular goal-getter and enjoyed prolific spells with Scunthorpe, Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday and has been bought for a total of £10.5million.