Newcastle United have been dismissed as "too small" to sign Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud by the French club’s owner, while the jury is out on Arsenal paying what is required to sign the 25-year-old.

 

Both Newcastle and Arsenal are known to harbour an interest in Giroud, with bids from each widely expected to arrive at the Stade de la Mosson in January.

 

And selling the French goal-getter is a subject that has been discussed at Montpellier, although there is a real risk that parting with Giroud would ruin potentially a fine season for the south coast side, who currently sit second in Ligue 1.

 

The prospect of Giroud joining Newcastle has though been dismissed, with Alan Pardew’s side dubbed as not being of the required size.

 

"Newcastle? They are too small for him", said Montpellier’s owner Louis Nicollin to RTL, before switching his attention to Arsenal’s interest.

 

"Arsenal? We must see if Arsene Wenger is interested because he has [Robin] van Persie."

 

Nicollin then speculated how much money would be required to sign Giroud, widely dismissing a presumed €10M figure.

 

"€10M? He won’t go for that.

 

"Given that he still has more than two years left on his contract, he’ll cost a lot more, either €50M or €60M."

 

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