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Celtic set to splash £2.5m
Celtic, 14:10, December 15, 2009 ,
Celtic look to be leading the race for the signature of Tours striker Olivier Giroud and could complete the £2.5m signing next month.
The French striker had initially stated he wanted to stay with the French side until the end of the season, but now appears to have changed his mind and could be on his way to Parkhead in the new year.
Giroud has revealed that Celtic and Middlesbrough are the two sides who have shown the most interest in the frontman who has managed to score 14 goals in 17 appearances this season.
"No, it's not as simple as that. We're now at a stage where a lot of thinking has to be done. There is a lot of interest in me." said Giroud when asked whether he would stay at Tours.
"Celtic and Middlesbrough are the most persistent but there's also interest from Montpellier, Valenciennes,Monaco and Toulouse. "On one hand I feel content at Tours but on the other there are opportunities for me to go abroad or play in Ligue 1 in January .
"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."