AC Milan's Olivier Giroud 'rejects deadline day move to Everton'

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud has reportedly turned down the chance to sign for Everton on transfer deadline day.

The 36-year-old has now entered the final six months of his deal with the Rossoneri and could depart on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Giroud has remained an integral player under Stefano Pioli this term, scoring 10 goals and setting up six more in 26 games, but his future beyond the summer is shrouded in uncertainty.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton tried and failed to prise the former Arsenal and Chelsea man away from San Siro on deadline day, with Giroud determined to stay at Milan.

Di Marzio claims that the Toffees offered Giroud a contract until the end of the season, and an additional year would be triggered for an €8.4m (£7.4m) fee if Sean Dyche's men secured Premier League survival.

However, Giroud has no desire to leave the Serie A champions at this stage of the season, having already amassed 24 goals and 10 assists in 64 games for the Rossoneri since 2021.

The France international previously netted 90 Premier League goals during his time with Arsenal and Chelsea, and Everton are set to enter February having not made a single January signing amid their relegation dogfight.