Everton’s pursuit of Olivier Giroud has been boosted by Borussia Dortmund’s claim that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not be sold this summer.

Giroud had hoped to replace Aubameyang at Dortmund after being pushed down the Arsenal pecking order by Alexandre Lacazette. But Dortmund’s declaration that Aubameyang, who was on the list of strikers Chelsea are considering to replace Diego Costa, will not be sold casts doubt over the prospect of the German club making a bid for Giroud.

Arsenal will demand around £20 million for Giroud and Everton believe they are second on the list of the Frenchman’s preferred destinations. West Ham United have given up on Giroud, while Marseille are yet to launch a bid for the 30-year-old, which will give Everton further hope they are second in the queue behind Dortmund.