Key to Giroud’s transfer to Everton lies with his wife

Everton are badly in need of a proven Premier League scorer, and the last few weeks have made that very clear. Wayne Rooney has been among the goals recently, but aside from the veteran, the Blues forward and midfield corps have struggled to produce.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo after a 0-0 draw away at West Bromwich Albion, manager Sam Allardyce revealed that Everton had made an approach for Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud, but the player had turned down the move after consulting with his spouse. He went on to add that he didn’t think the Toffees would make another approach after that.

“I wouldn't have thought so as he refused to come last time.

“As far as I know he doesn't want to move north of Watford, well his wife doesn't want to anyway. It's very important to the wives, believe you me. Normally they are the bosses.”

Talking about his side’s woes in front of goal, Allardyce said he is looking at the transfer window opening in a few days to strengthen there.

“Up front is definitely an area we need to improve in January, a quality front man if there's one available.

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin has done fantastic this year but has only scored three. Gylfi Sigurdsson is on the pitch but he's only scored four.

“Wayne wasn't here today so we didn't have a lot of goal threat in terms of players who actually have a goal record. So keeping a clean sheet is very important for us.”

He added that Calvert-Lewin, who has featured in every Premier League game this season, is starting to show the effects of a long season already.

“There is a risk of burnout. We have to be careful with what we do with him.

“I think he is suffering from a bit of fatigue. He is one of our most high energy players, if not our most high energy, but a lot of it is getting wasted a little bit at the moment.

“He is looking like he needs a bit of a rest but I don't have too many options to rest him, unfortunately.”