Deschamps tells Giroud to leave Chelsea in January transfer window with Inter Milan keen on striker

Serie A's Inter Milan reportedly want to sign Giroud in January as Romelu Lukaku backup. Credit: EPA

INTER Milan are rumoured to be after signing Chelsea's Olivier Giroud in the January transfer market, although he has not been getting much game-time at Stamford Bridge.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport there are already discussions taking place over the veteran striker.

Giroud has made just six appearances for Chelsea this season and his contract is due to end in June next year.

Inter Milan manager, former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, is rumoured to be keen on getting Giroud into his squad as a backup for Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku has proved a worthwhile signing, from Manchester United in the summer, having scored nine times in 14 appearances.

The 26-year-old Belgian international has also scored in each of his last four league games.

It is a big contrast with 33-year-old Giroud who has only managed 187 minutes on the pitch for the Blues this season.

He did however score in France's 1-1 draw with Turkey in the Euro 2020 qualifiers last month, having come off the bench, something France coach Didier Deschamps praised him for.

The goal made it his third goal in four matches for France.

Deschamps has concerns about Giroud's lack of game-time, and has said that he needs more opportunities.

Lampard has left him on the bench for the majority of the season, playing second fiddle to England striker Tammy Abraham.

According to Deschamps, if Giroud is to remain a popular selection for his country during the Euro 2020 qualifiers and beyond, he will ''need more playing time''.

France face Moldova in the Euro's in just under one week's time.

And it seems to be coming at the right time, as Conte is reportedly not best pleased with his squad as it is.

The Italian told Sport Mediaset: ''We have too limited a squad to face both Serie A and Champions League football this season.

''I mean in terms limited in terms of numbers and quality.''