Olivier Giroud is in danger of pricing himself out of a move away from Chelsea.
The France striker wants out of Stamford Bridge after starting only two games this season so far under Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
Marseille, Montpellier, Lyon, Crystal Palace and Inter Milan are all interested in the 33-year-old World Cup-winning forward.
But Inter, managed by Giroud’s former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, are hesitating over the France star’s contract demands.
Former Arsenal striker Giroud wants a two-year deal worth around £7million a season.
Inter want to wait to assess the fitness of striker Alexis Sanchez, who has been sidelined with a dislocated ankle, before deciding whether to make a move for Giroud, but they will only offer an 18-month deal if they do.
Clubs will also have to pay a fee for Giroud, thought to be around £5m, with Chelsea unwilling to release the striker on a free transfer, with the player still having six months of his current deal left.
Palace, as well, are unwilling to offer Giroud such a long contract, and are now set to turn to Celtic striker Odsonne Eduard, who at 21 is a much better long-term bet for Roy Hodgson’s side.
Palace have been searching for striking reinforcements since the summer, and Eduard, who has scored 13 goals in 24 games so far this season, is now top of their list.
Giroud’s compatriot Kurt Zouma recently revealed how Giroud is dealing with his lack of minutes at Chelsea.
“He is frustrated, he wants to play more,” Zouma said.
“Like any football player, he wants to be on the pitch, but he is taking everything very calmly.
“He is a professional, he works hard in training.
“I have a lot of respect for the player he is.
“As someone in the dressing room, he is someone who gives advice to Tammy [Abraham] and Michy [Batshuayi].
“He wants the best for the team, which is important, and it is why he is a good person.”
Borussia Dortmund are another side linked with a winter window swoop for Giroud.