Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris has provided an update on the future of striker Olivier Giroud with the club at today’s press conference ahead of the FA Cup third round match against Nottingham Forest.

“He still plays for Chelsea. It has to be for the benefit of the club. We cannot just let him walk out of the club and make us short. Of course, you think of the player as well. He has been a class act,” he stressed as he stood in for manager Frank Lampard, who was unavailable to attend the press conference due to illness.

Giroud’s contract with the blues is due to expire at the end of the season and it is understood he is seeking a move away from the club in search of more regular game time with a view to making France’s EURO 2020 squad.

The 33-year-old has drawn links to Inter as well a number of clubs from France.