Sky Sports claimed on Thursday evening that United had made a bid for the forward, 24, which had been turned down.
The Iron are in need of a finisher, having created plenty of chances this season but struggled to convert them.
Jonathan Forte has struggled to find a finishing touch, while Chris Dagnall has regularly been played in a more withdrawn role.
Hoskins first came to prominence at Rotherham United, where his form in 2006/07 - where he had 15 goals in 22 appearances at League One level - earned him a move to Watford in a joint transfer with Lee Williamson worth £1.2million. He had scored a total of 25 goals for the Millers.
He could not recreate that goalscoring form at the Hornets, with just nine goals in all competitions before a free transfer to the Memorial Stadium this summer. He has netted 11 times in 22 appearances for the Pirates.