The French international is the current leader to replace newly retired Ruud van Nistelrooy, as Malaga’s striker.

• By Tom Conn        Follow @thomasmconn

Giroud finished the season as Ligue 1′s top goal scorer with 25 goals in route to his clubs first ever title victory.

Montpellier bought the 25-year-old in 2010, for €2 million and will not sell him cheaply as he is a rising star contracted through 2014.

However, Malaga are determined to fill their void at the forward position and Giroud would fit in perfectly with manager Manuel Pellegrini’s system.

Malaga has yet to make a formal offer, but plan to offer more than the recently dismissed offer from Arsenal of €7.5 million plus Marouane Chamakh during the season.