Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign unwanted Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud in January according to sources.

The World Cup winner has been frozen out by new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard with Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi favoured to lead the Blues attack.

Chelsea have had a major overhaul under Lampard, and the likes of Giroud, Marcos Alonso and Pedro all been victims of the new regime.

Palace and Roy Hodgson in particular have made no secrets of their desires to strengthen their front line.

Jordan Ayew has led the line with some success this season, but with just four goals to his name he is not the goal getter the manager craves.

Giroud arrived at Stamford Bridge 18-months ago, and although never nailing down a starting berth under previous boss Maurizio Sarri, he proved crucial on their way to Europa League victory.

His goalscoring record at previous club Arsenal also makes good reading with 73 goals in 180 games, 61 of which were off the bench.

West Ham as well as a string of Ligue 1 clubs are also monitoring the 33-year-old who is keen for first team football in an attempt to add to his 94 French caps.

The forward’s wages, believed to be around £110k a week could prove a stumbling block for Eagles Chairman Steve Parish, but with Giroud reportedly keen to stay in London, there are hopes a deal can be negotiated in January.

If Giroud were to sign, it would see a re-union with former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill who arrived on a free transfer in the summer.

Coincidentally, Chelsea and Crystal Palace meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.