Newcastle close in on Olivier Giroud

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is reportedly closing in on signing Montpellier striker Oliver Giroud.

Pardew has sent scouts to watch the £10m-rated star several times this season.

Giroud currently leads the French scoring chart with eight goals in 12 games and has just received his first international call-up by France boss Laurent Blanc.

He made his debut for France as a substitute in their 1-0 win over USA last Friday.

Newcastle are currently third in the Premier League with 25 points from 11 games.