West Ham United to join race for Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud?

Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud has reportedly emerged as a January transfer target for West Ham United.

Having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge since the arrival of Frank Lampard, Giroud is likely to receive numerous offers at the midway point of the campaign.

Crystal Palace, Inter Milan and several clubs in France have been touted as possible destinations for the World Cup winner, who has less than a year left on his contract.

According to Football Insider, West Ham are also contemplating whether to launch an approach for the 33-year-old as they look to bolster their options in the final third.

While having spent big money to sign Sebastian Haller before the beginning of the season, the Hammers are lacking proven backup for the former Eintracht Frankfurt man.

Giroud may only be open to joining West Ham if he is made first-choice frontman by Manuel Pellegrini.