Report: Montepellier raise Giroud price

Montpellier have reportedly increased Olivier Giroud’s buy-out clause to 16 million euros in a bid to avoid losing the in-form forward.

The France international was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle during the January transfer window, but no official approach was made to the Ligue 1 leaders.

Montpellier are bracing themselves for offers in the off-season and, according to France Football, have now decided to raise Giroud’s buy-out clause, which had stood at 10m euros.

Club president Louis Nicollin had previously stated that he would not allow the player, who is under contract until 2014, to leave for anything less than 50m euros.

Giroud, who has been capped twice by his country, has hit 16 goals in 22 games for Montpellier in Ligue 1 so far this season.