Celtic’s reported number one transfer target Olivier Giroud has stated that he will be available for transfer during the January window – earlier than previous indications had stated.
Giroud had previously stated that he would see out the rest of the season at his French Ligue 2 side Tours, however the highly rated striker who has scored 17 goals already this term, has stated that his services will be available earlier than expected.
No, it’s not as simple as that,” he said.“We’re now at a stage where a lot of thinking is to be done. There is a lot of interest in me. Celtic and Middlesbrough are the most persistent but there’s also interest from Montpellier, Valenciennes, Monaco and Toulouse.
“Most clubs want me for the start of 2010 because they need to reinforce their attacking options quickly and can’t wait. I could stay at Tours for the season or could take the chance to prove myself in Ligue 1 or abroad quicker than expected.”
The Tours director of football Max Marty has already backed Celtic’s plans to land the player, saying: “I’ve known Olivier since he was 15 and know his family very well. If it was down to me I reckon Celtic would be a fantastic option.
“They are a big club with a tremendous support and in a league where he could settle quickly and easily get upwards of 15 goals.”
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt