St James’ Park side chases Montpellier striker.
Alan Pardew will look to Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to dip into his pocket to fund a £6m bid for in form Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud as the Magpies boss looks to cement his sides good start to the season with an injection of more attacking options.
25 year old striker Giroud has taken to life in France’s top division with incredible ease, putting in consistently effective performances since his move to Montpellier in January 2010 from lower league side Tours FC. Last season the big forward notched up 12 goals to help his side steer clear of the drop zone but this term has further improved scoring eight goals to help his side’s great start to the campaign.
The 6ft 3in Chambery born Frenchman’s form has been rewarded with a first full international cap which he earned on Friday night as Laurent Blanc’s side edged past the United States.
Alan Pardew will have been very pleased with the form shown by current first choice strike pairing Leon Best and Demba Ba but is apparently keen to bring in effective back up options to cover for possible injuries and to keep the duo on their toes. The St James’ Park boss has the likes of injured Shola Ameobi and Danish international Peter Lovenkrands to turn to but feels that he needs another more effective attacking back up, hence his interest in Giroud.
A move to the Premier League is sure to interest Giroud, especially if by January Newcastle United are still riding high near the top of the table.