According to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have made loan offers for Chelsea duo Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi.
The ‘exclusive’ from the north-east reporter reveals that Chelsea have responded with a firm ‘no’ at this stage, but insists that this stance could will likely change should Frank Lampard land a new striker this month.
Edwards states that Giroud is ‘open to the idea’ of signing at St James’ Park due to a real lack of game time at Chelsea this season, however it seems Bruce will have to put any move for the French international on the back-burner for now.
Here’s a snippet from the Telegraph, which also confirms our approach for Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi:
Newcastle United would like to sign Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud on loan for the rest of the season but have been told he will not be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge unless the London club can bring in a replacement.
That is likely to infuriate Giroud, who is keen to leave so that he can play regular first team football in order to ensure he figures for France in the European Championships this summer.
Telegraph Sport has been told by sources in London that Newcastle made contact with Chelsea last week to discuss whether they would listen to loan offers for Giroud but were told there is no chance of a move to Tyneside at this stage.
Chelsea are looking to sign another striker this month but will not let anyone leave until they have brought a new player in and there is no guarantee they will be able to do so.
Giroud would be an ideal signing for the Magpies and is understood to be open to the idea of making the move to the North East because of a lack of games under Frank Lampard.
The 33-year-old would bring all the things Newcastle need in a front man, as he is just as effective playing with his back to goal as he is facing it and is a skilled link man, who would bring out the best in wingers Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, when the latter returns from injury.
The arrival of Giroud would mean Joelinton could be taken out of the firing line or be moved out into the sort of wide role he filled at Hoffenheim.
Sources have also confirmed that the Magpies enquired about another Chelsea striker, Michy Batshuayi, but the same message came back. They will continue to monitor the situation closely but several clubs, including Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and West Ham are interested in the Belgium international.
Both would be upgrades on our current options, but it’s easy to see why Giroud would appeal.
Unlike Joelinton – who is struggling to hold up the ball or score goals – the 33-year-old former Arsenal star is at his best with his back to goal.
His goal record in the Premier League is impressive too, with him bagging 78 goals and 32 assists in 225 top flight games.
Batshuayi is an emphatic finisher and another player who’d improve us up top, although his ability to bring others into play is inferior to that of Giroud’s.
Two deals to watch if and when Chelsea bring in another striker this month – although we’ll be up against plenty competition if both become available.
