Frank Lampard delivers bad news to Olivier Giroud about his future

Frank Lampard confirms Chelsea striker Giroud could leave in January

Frank Lampard has admitted Olivier Giroud could depart Stamford Bridge this month, providing Chelsea find a replacement.

Inter Milan have joined Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the race for the Frenchman, who is desperate for first-team football.

When quizzed on Giroud’s potential exit, Lampard said: “My answer remains the same as it has done recently and I have spoken with him.

“If the conditions are that it’s something Oli really wants to do and it works for the club and it works for me and the squad, then it’s something that could happen.

“But only when all three of those bases are covered. So we’re still there.”

Giroud is out of contract in the summer and wants a new 18-month contract and had been linked with several other top clubs.

Destination

Antonio Conte's Inter are ready to offer him a deal until the end of the season as cover for Romelu Lukaku.

But the Nerazzurri are also interested in signing Fiorentina's Italian international forward Federico Chiesa in the summer.

Conte would prefer to sign Marcos Alonso from Chelsea as left-back.

Villa 'prioritise Giroud signing'

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has also made Olivier Giroud his primary transfer target for January.

The Athletic report that Smith has been unimpressed with Jonathan Kodjia’s commitment to the team, and has prioritised signing a forward.

Giroud fits the bill, but Villa face competition from Crystal Palace and Newcastle.