This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Sun, Crystal Palace are eyeing up a move for Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who could cost as little as £3m.

What's the word?

Well, the report states that Roy Hodgson is in the market for a reliable goalscorer to maintain his side's push for a top six place after their fine start to the campaign.

The Eagles currently sit 6th after nine games, having won four, drawn two and lost three, but that is mainly built on the foundation of a solid defence, rather than a plethora of goals being scored - the south Londoners have conceded just ten goals in those nine games, but have scored only eight themselves.

The Sun believe Chelsea would only look to recoup about £3m if they decide to let the World Cup winner leave.

£3m is an absolute steal

To sign a player of Giroud's pedigree for just £3m is an absolute no-brainer for Palace chairman Steve Parish, irregardless of the fact that the 94-cap France international is 33 years of age.

The Eagles have already shown that there is value in taking slightly older players from top clubs with their summer capture of Gary Cahill, who is the same age as Giroud - the centre-back has showed his experience with some excellent displays, and was named as the club's Player of the Month for September.

Giroud currently earns £110k-a-week, but even then, this move should be viewed as one that must get completed.

The former Montpellier and Arsenal man is France's third-highest scorer with 38 goals in those 94 appearances, behind only the great Thierry Henry and Michel Platini.

Impressively, the 6 foot 4 striker has 201 career goals in 499 appearances, managing to find the back of the net at every club he has played for at a steady rate - he scored 105 goals in 253 games for Arsenal, and even won the Puskas award with a scorpion-kick goal for the Gunners against Palace at the Emirates.

He has an abundance of pedigree, flair and quality, and for just £3m, this is and should be viewed as an absolute no-brainer for the Eagles.