Report: Steve Bruce tells Newcastle to ‘keep close eye’ on World Cup winner

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The Northern Echo have claimed that Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has told the club to ‘keep a close eye’ on Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud’s reported move to Inter Milan – and whether The Toon can hijack a move.

Giroud, 33, is expected to leave Chelsea this month with the player’s contract expiring at the end of the season and has been strongly linked with a move to Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan. Sky Sports claim Inter may be about to pull out of a move, though.

It is believed Inter – having signed Victor Moses, Ashley Young and now Christian Eriksen this month – are wary of having a bloated squad, and that may put the Nerrazzuri off from completing a deal to sign the 2018 World Cup winner.

That means Giroud may have too look elsewhere for a move, having played just seven times all season. Newcastle were linked at the start of the month for the ex-Arsenal man, and now Bruce is keen for them to pounce if they can.

TBR’s view – Could Newcastle manage to tempt Giroud?

The Evening Standard have claimed that Tottenham are interested in making a surprise move for the France international, and it is believed the player wants to return to north London – having played for Arsenal.

So, can Newcastle tempt Giroud? Well, on Tyneside, Giroud would surely be first choice – rather than at Tottenham where he would be back-up to Harry Kane when the England skipper returns from a hamstring injury.

Newcastle could play that card but it is clear that Giroud would rather remain at a club in European competition. It remains to be seen what decision the French ace will make.