Chelsea and Tottenham Striker Target Puts Transfer Talks on Hold

Saint-Etienne forward and Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he has put all transfer negotiations on hold till the end of the season.

The Gabon international has 15 goals and seven assists to his name from 26 Ligue 1 appearances this season and his efforts could help Saint-Etienne finish in the top three and a clinch a Champions League spot for next season.

Aubameyang was linked to Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in recent months, while a host of other top European clubs are understood to be interested in snapping up the 23-year-old in the summer. The striker has now stated a decision regarding his future would be taken only at the end of the season, also depending on where Saint-Etienne finish.

"I am happy with my form again. Scoring is important for a striker and I am on a good run at the moment," Aubameyang told Sky Sports.

"I would love to finish the season strongly for my team and put us in a strong position to fight for a Champions League place. If we qualify for that competition it would be difficult for me to leave the club. But my future will be decided at the end of the season," the forward stressed.

Saint-Etienne are currently fourth in the Ligue 1 table, with 47 points from 27 matches, just two points off the third and final Champions League slot.

Aubameyang is understood to favour a move to the Premier League. The AC Milan product had earlier claimed both Manchester United and Manchester City had made contacts with his camp, regarding a potential transfer.

"I want to leave with everyone happy. There is contact with the two Manchester clubs and also clubs in Italy, especially Fiorentina and another big Italian club," the player had said.

Meanwhile, Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has set his eyes on returning to Chelsea at the end of the season, after finishing the loan spell with West Bromwich Albion.