French striker Olivier Giroud dismisses Celtic in favour of 'other trampolines'

• Giroud is known in France for his physical style of play

Celtic have been in negotiations with Tours to secure the services of their star forward, who has been in superb form this season.

Giroud has revealed he is close to securing a deal with a top-level club but insists he will now not be moving to Celtic.

"I've put a cross through them," he said in a press conference organised by Tours to announce his decision to remain with them until June.

"I'm staying on board. I will announce my future destination for next season in about a fortnight.

"There are still several details to sort out but I don't want to give you the name of the club, simply that they are at the top level in Europe.

"It's the right choice."

Giroud has struck 16 times in 21 games this season, a record which has attracted several clubs.

Middlesbrough, Paris St Germain and Monaco are reportedly interested in the 23-year-old, who hopes his next club will offer him a springboard into the Barclays Premier League.

Giroud added: "I wanted to go there (to Celtic) because they are a big club, who play in Europe, with a fantastic spirit.

"It was a good trampoline from which to move to England and the Premier League, which is my dream.

"Fortunately there are other trampolines."