Newcastle United Watching Olivier Giroud at Euro 2012?
Alan Pardew reveals that Newcastle will be monitoring transfer targets during Euro 2012.
Well be represented at the Euros. There are a couple of players were looking at in that tournament and, as far as Im concerned, I hope they have an awful one! The valuations will go up and down well look at that. Someones reputations will go through the roof, and someones wont. That might affect the price. Most clubs want to hold off to see how their players do. You all want the bonus of your player being the star, or having a big tournament.So which players could Pardew be monitoring in Poland and Ukraine? The Newcastle boss isn't saying but we do know a few of the club's past and recent transfer targets which could be a good indicator. Last summer Newcastle were looking at Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud, the 25-year-old forward who has enjoyed an amazing season in Ligue 1, scoring 25 goals this campaign, form which has won him a place in the provisional Euro 2012 squad this summer. Newcastle were monitoring the player last summer but Montpellier's valuation was said to be too high, which it still might be unless Newcastle lose Demba Ba or Papiss Cisse in the summer and are in need of a replacement. Giroud is an awesome finisher and could become the subject of many admirers if he plays in the summer. Elsewhere, Pardew has said he hopes to strengthen his defence in the summer with a new centre-half. The club have previously been linked with Giroud's Montpellier team-mate and tought-tackling captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. The versatile 6 tall defender who can play across the back four has just turned 23 and has caught the eye of the Premier League elite for his rich vein of form. He is valued in the £5-7 million range and has played 175 times for his club, scoring four goals. Also with Danny Simpson's contract negotiations faltering, Newcastle may be looking at Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who is also in the French squad along with Yanga-Mbiwa. Though one defender Newcastle won't be looking at in the Euro's is Holland left-back Erik Pieters, a long-term Newcastle target. The defender has been ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury, which in a strange way could boost Newcastle's chances of signing him now that he stays further out of the spotlight.