Transfer gossip: Palace linked with Giroud

Transfer speculation involving Chelsea in Saturday’s newspapers…

There continues to be speculation over the futures of a number of Chelsea players ahead of next month’s transfer window.

The likes of Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso have been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge, while the contracts of stalwarts Willian and Pedro are due to end in the summer.

The Daily Mirror say Crystal Palace could move for striker Giroud, who has been linked with several clubs.

And the Daily Star say Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Alonso, who has lost his place in the Chelsea side.

Giroud has been linked with various clubs in recent months

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Blues boss Frank Lampard insisted he would not discuss the futures of his players before the window opens.

Lampard said he would be happy for Giroud to stay despite reports in the player’s native France that he is keen to move on.

“The players, all the players that are here, I won’t have any talk about anything in January until we get to January – from anybody,” Lampard said.

“I am happy for him (Giroud) to stay, but with every player in the squad I want them to be here for Chelsea and have the right professionalism and desire to be here. He has shown me that in training every day this season so that is what I am happy with.”