Sam Allardyce: 'Olivier Giroud wife blocking Everton move'

Everton manager Sam Allardyce has claimed that Olivier Giroud's wife could be responsible for blocking his proposed move to Goodison Park.

Giroud was understood to be close to joining Everton in August only for the deal to break down in the final stages, and the Toffees were expected to reignite their interest in the France international when the transfer window opens next month.

However, Allardyce suggested that a deal would once again fail to materialise due to Giroud's wife's reluctance to leave London.

"I wouldn't have thought so because he refused to come last time," Allardyce told reporters when questioned over the likelihood of Giroud moving to Merseyside.

"He doesn't want to move North of London, I don't think. Or his wife doesn't. It is very important to the wives you know."

Giroud's hopes of leaving Arsenal in search of more regular first-team football could also be scuppered by injury, with the striker expected to be sidelined until February with a hamstring tear.