Marseille 'reignite interest in Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud'

Marseille have reportedly stepped up their interest in Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud after missing out on Nice star Mario Balotelli.

The Ligue 1 side are long-term admirers of the French World Cup winner, who rejected a move to the Stade Velodrome in January to instead join the Blues.

Six months after arriving in West London as part of an £18m deal, however, The Mirror suggests that Giroud could be on his way out as Marseille are prepared to pay £13m to sign him.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is understood to be open to the prospect of offloading the 31-year-old, with a move for Juventus's Gonzalo Higuain in the offing.

Giroud, meanwhile, is also likely to be tempted by a return to his homeland after this summer's World Cup success, and Marseille are prepared to offer him a £5m-a-year contract to get a deal over the line before the transfer window closes next month.