Crystal Palace signed no fewer than five players in the summer transfer window but perhaps one position in particular eluded their clutches - namely, a prolific goalscorer. Let's face it, Michy Batshuayi has failed to find the back of the net even once so far this season, although that isn't for want of trying.

What's the word?

According to FootMercato, Olivier Giroud's agent Michael Manuello has given the green light for potential suitors to try and sign the Chelsea striker in the winter transfer window.

“Deep down there is a bit of disappointment when you give (Tammy) Abraham a chance rather than him,” Manuello said. “It’s not an ideal situation."

Now, a new English club can make him think because the big difference with the Premier League (to other leagues) is it remains an extraordinary championship,” he added.

“So if a really good Premier League club came along, yes that could (be an option).”

It's been previously claimed that Palace were interested in the French international last year as Roy Hodgson was desperate to bolster his firepower up front, but evidently, a move failed to materialise. The Eagles could revisit their pursuit of Giroud either in January or next year.

The 34-year-old could be signed on a pre-contract agreement as a free agent in January as his contract will run out next summer.

Bye Benteke

Steve Parish did add an attacking option after bringing in Michy Batshuayi from the Blues on an initial loan deal in the end instead, though that is only a temporary move at the moment so Hodgson could face the same sticky situation in the summer. Namely, a lack of goals, as he cannot be expected to solely rely on Wilfried Zaha alone.

Whilst Palace may be prepared to play the waiting game, they may not want to not wait too long before tossing their hat in the ring, as West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign him in the winter transfer window, amid interest from Inter Milan, Roma, Lazio and Juventus.

In six games this season, Giroud has scored once so far in the 6-0 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup, which is more than Batshuayi has managed in the same amount of appearances for the club.

Chelsea signed the Frenchman from Arsenal for £18m on an initial 18-month deal in 2018. Since then, he has scored 29 goals and supplied 14 assists in 94 games in all competitions for the Blues, which makes him the ideal man to become the second-choice striker behind Jordan Ayew.

Last season, the veteran, who's market value is rated £4.5m via Transfermarkt, scored eight goals in 20 games in the Premier League, whilst he averaged 2.2 shots per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, Christian Benteke only managed to score two goals and supply one assist in 30 appearances for the Eagles, as he made only 1.7 shots per game, as per WhoScored.

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer singled Giroud out for praise for his "superb" performance against Everton earlier this year, while Frank Lampard labelled him "a big character" following his goalscoring display against Norwich back in July.

Parish must return for the centre-forward in January, that's for sure. Otherwise, he may never get another chance.

AND in other news, Hodgson must convince Patrick van Aanholt to stay as Crystal Palace contract talks face collapse...