Giroud (l) considered Celtic a stepping stone to England's top flight
Tours striker Olivier Giroud admits he has given up on the idea of joining Celtic, although he will definitely be leaving the French Ligue 2 club.
Celtic had been in negotiations to secure the 23-year-old forward.
However, Giroud has revealed he is close to securing a deal with a top-level club - but not Celtic.
"I've put a cross through them," he said in a media 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.
Fortunately, there are other trampolines
Tours striker Olivier Giroud
"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 that has attracted several clubs.
Middlesbrough, Paris St Germain and Monaco are reportedly interested in the striker, who hopes his next club will offer him a springboard into the Barclays Premier League in the same way Celtic would have.
"I wanted to go there because they are a big club, who play in Europe, with a fantastic spirit," he added.
"It was a good trampoline from which to move to England and the Premier League, which is my dream.
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