Chelsea are reportedly determined look hold on to Olivier Giroud after the Frenchman’s talks over a move to Serie A champions Juventus stalled.

The 34-year-old, whose contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire in the summer, is the Blues’ joint top-scorer this season with nine goals but is still not a regular in Frank Lampard’s starting XI.

Now free to talk to clubs abroad about signing a pre-contract, Giroud was in discussions with Juve after Andrea Pirlo confirmed their interest in him – but according to The Sun, Giroud isn’t happy about only being offered a six-month deal.

The report details that Giroud wants a more secure deal than the contract being offered, through until the end of the season.

The former Arsenal man wants a deal ideally for 18 months, until the summer of 2022 – Juve boss Andrea Pirlo has made his interest known, admitting to DAZN, via Football Italia, after his side’s 4-1 win over Udinese on January 3: ‘He’d be handy!’

On the other hand, Lampard is thought to be hesitant about letting Giroud go, given the inconsistency of Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham as alternative options up front.

And though he’s not playing regularly, Giroud is thought to be satisfied with his current role at Chelsea – Sportsmail reported that the player had relaxed his stance on quitting the club after being given more of a run-out by Lampard.

Sources close to Giroud indicated his position softened after being assured he has a sizeable role to play this season.

Giroud revealed his original decision to consider a move away from Chelsea stemmed from talks with France manager Didier Deschamps.

Avram Grant has confirmed he has had NO official approach from Chelsea to return to the club.

Earlier this week, reports suggested Roman Abramovich was considering bringing the Israeli coach back to Stamford Bridge to assist Frank Lampard as he attempts halt to his side’s poor form.

The Blues have lost four of their last six Premier League matches and have slipped to ninth in the table, ten points behind pace-setters Manchester United.

However, Grant, who managed Chelsea on a caretaker basis in 2007/08, has dismissed those claims on social media.

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Arsenal’s pursuit of a new second-choice goalkeeper has just received a big boost.

The Gunners are on the hunt for a better back-up for Bernd Leno following the summer departure of Emi Martinez to Aston Villa.

One of the names mentioned is Barcelona goalkeeper Neto, who has reportedly asked to leave the Nou Camp.

According to Sport, the 31-year-old Brazilian has handed in a transfer request amid the Arsenal rumours.

The London club are said to be willing to offer Neto the opportunity to compete with Leno for the number one shirt, something that has to be promised for Neto to move there.

Wayne Rooney revealed he spoke to Steven Gerrard before it was announced he’s been appointed as Derby boss.

The Manchester United legend signed a deal that will keep him there until 2023 and has ultimately called time on his playing career.

In taking the reins at Derby, Rooney retired from playing football and he spoke to his former England teammate for some pointers.

Rooney told talkSPORT: “I spoke to Steven Gerrard yesterday actually. Obviously he’s a good friend of mine and I spoke to him to have a chat and had a good chat with him.

“Of course I’ve been speaking to players a little bit older than me but I’ve gone down the managerial route at a young age. I can only benefit from that.

“We may have different ideas, different styles with how we approach the game but there’s no harm speaking to them and learning from their experiences and what they’ve been through in the last couple of years.”

Rooney, 35, moved onto the coaching team towards the end of November when Phillip Cocu left, with Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker supporting him.

Derby have confirmed Rosenior is the assistant manager, while Given is now first-team coach. Walker will remain as first-team development coach, while academy goalkeeping coach Jason Pearcey has been appointed as the club’s first-team goalkeeping coach.

Rooney oversaw nine matches in total, recording a return of three victories and four draws along the way, between the end of November and early January.

Joan Laporta confirms he refused an offer from Inter to sign Leo Messi and reveals he rejected the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003. ‘But I have no regrets.’

The former Barcelona President, who is now a candidate for the Blaugrana’s presidency, has confirmed he rejected an Inter bid to sign Leo Messi in 2006, saying: ‘But I have no regrets.’

“Real Madrid have never made an offer, but we received an incredible bid from Inter. It was worth almost as much as his release clause. We refused it and I didn’t change my mind when they made a higher offer,” he told El Larguero.

Laporta revealed in November Inter’s offer was in the region of €250m.

The ex-Barcelona president also revealed he refused the opportunity to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003.

“We were about to sign Ronaldinho and Rafa Marquez. The agent of the Mexican defender offered us to sign a player called Cristiano Ronaldo. He was playing for Sporting CP at that time. He told us: ‘I’ve already sold him to Manchester United for €19, but you can sign him for €17m.’ We refused the offer as we had already signed Ronaldinho and I have no regrets.”