Everton have missed out on signing Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud because his wife did not want to move to Merseyside, according to Stoke City's Charlie Adam.

The France striker had been strongly linked with a move away from the Gunners after struggling to hold down a regular starting role during the 2016-17 campaign.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was willing to sell Giroud following the signing of compatriot Alexandre Lacazette, but the 30-year-old decided to stay put at the club, claiming that he wanted to fight for his place.

However, Adam - who was on Merseyside between 2011 and 2012 with Liverpool - told BBC Sport: "I heard his partner refused the deal.

"The deal was nearly done, he wanted to come, but I heard it was his girlfriend or wife that turned it down."

The Toffees went on to sign Nikola Vlasic on a five-year deal from Hajduk Split as a potential replacement for departed striker Romelu Lukaku on deadline day.