Everton will not be renewing their interest in Olivier Giroud, according to the Daily Star despite reports claiming they would bid £40m for him.

Everton had an interest in Giroud during the summer transfer window but were unable to do a deal after the 31-year-old chose to stay at Arsenal.

According to the Daily Star, they will not renew their interest in the striker in January as they’re keeping their options open.

Amusingly enough, the report mentions that this new information contradicts a previous report, that also came from the Daily Star, which claimed Everton were going to spend £40m on Giroud.

For all the money spent by Everton in the summer, they failed to bring in a proper replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who they sold to Manchester United.

Giroud, meanwhile, is very much a bench player for Arsenal as new signing Alexandre Lacazette starts in the Premier League.

It’s possible that Giroud could ask to leave the club if he feels his place in the France squad is under threat. Didier Deschamps has already issued a warning to him regarding that.

However, he has a lot of affection for Arsenal and was happy to stay and fight for his place. Arsene Wenger is also making an effort to get him on the pitch during Premier League games.