Newcastle United eye Olivier Giroud loan move but Chelsea holding firm for now 
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. Although things have not progressed so far, it does not mean Newcastle’s interest in Giroud is over but head coach Steve Bruce will have to look at alternatives. With Newcastle’s record signing Joelinton struggling for form and subjected to chants of “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” from some fans after another disappointing performance against Rochdale in the FA Cup, Bruce is concerned about the damage done to the 23-year-old.
The £40m summer signing from Hoffenheim has scored just one goal this season, back in September, and looks as though his confidence has been shattered.
In an ideal world, Bruce would take him out of the side, but Dwight Gayle pulled out of the Rochdale game with a tight calf and Andy Carroll cannot be relied on to start two games in a row.
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. Lampard does not want to weaken his squad as he chases a top four finish, while maintaining the club’s interest in both the FA Cup and the Champions League. He has relied heavily on Tammy Abraham as his main striker so far this season but does not want to leave himself without cover if he suffers an injury or loss of form.
Newcastle have drawn up a list of transfer targets in both midfield and attack, but Bruce is adamant he will not make signings just for the sake of it and will only agree to a player if he thinks they will genuinely improve the team.
That means he has also resisted any temptation to let Gayle leave this month, despite interest from a host of Championship clubs who want to sign him on loan. Gayle is understood to be keen to quit Newcastle but is not willing to take a pay cut to do so. He currently earns more than £50,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/01/05/newcastle-eye-olivier-giroud-loan-move-chelsea-holding-firm/ [ 此帖被羅力亞在2020-01-14 08:30重新編輯 ]
