Lazio chief in London to wrap up Olivier Giroud deal?

Lazio sporting director Igli Tare is thought to be en route to London in an attempt to finalise a deadline-day deal for Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.

The Frenchman is keen to leave Stamford Bridge this month in a bid to earn a spot at Euro 2020 but the Blues are seemingly unwilling to let him go unless they secure a replacement, with Napoli's Dries Mertens their top target.

Giroud has already turned down a switch to Newcastle United and is said to prefer a move to Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur - a deal that would represent his third London club - but he is also being courted by Inter Milan and capital outfit Lazio.

According to Sky Italia, Tare has made his way to London with the proposal of a two-and-a-half year deal worth around £50,000 a week in wages.

Lazio will have to work quickly to land the 33-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, with the transfer window in Serie A closing at the earlier time of 7pm.