Journalist Graeme Bailey says on Twitter that "those close to the deal" believe that Chelsea will sanction a deal to allow striker Olivier Giroud to join Tottenham Hotspur before Friday's transfer deadline.

Reliable Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported in the early hours of Wednesday morning that Spurs were keen to sign the France international before the transfer window slams shut, However, there was always going to be doubts as to whether the Blues would be happy to strengthen a fellow Champions League qualification rival.

However, Bailey's sources are suggesting that is actually the case, perhaps as they know that the 33-year-old will likely only play back-up to Harry Kane once the England international has recovered from injury and is back in action.

Giroud has been severely out of favour under Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge this term, playing a total of just 191 minutes in the Premier League.

Money talks: How much did Levy pay for each of these Spurs stars?

That seemingly hasn't put Jose Mourinho off however, and it will be interesting to see what develops in the coming hours and days with the countdown to the deadline well and truly on.

In other Tottenham news, Alasdair Gold has issued a teasing Spurs transfer update following the confirmed signing of Steven Bergwijn...