Sunderland are favourites to sign the Bournemouth man, but Sheffield Wednesday’s odds of doing so have dropped.
The P-word has become something of an obsession for supporters of Sheffield Wednesday.
Ask them what it is their team is lacking, or why some of them weren’t overly enthused by George Boyd’s recent arrival, and their answer will almost certainly contain the word ‘pace’.
So the news that Bournemouth’s Max Gradel could be available for as little as £3 million [Sunderland Echo] should be music to the Owls fans’ ears.
Wednesday’s odds of signing the Ivorian have been cut from 12/1 to 8/1 this morning [Sky Bet], but could they land him this summer? HITC takes a look…
Bournemouth’s Max Gradel
Do they need another winger?
Though Boyd may have strengthened Wednesday’s options in that particular department, Carlos Carvalhal’s side are perhaps, yes, still lacking a wide player who can leave his man for dead with speed alone. Neither the Scot, Ross Wallace, Adam Reach or even Fernando Forestieri are noted for being able to do that, while Marco Matias’ future at the club is uncertain. Gradel could be the alternative the Owls are lacking, and would also add goals based on his track record.
Would Gradel move to Hillsborough?
The 29-year-old is desperate to leave Bournemouth, according to The Sun, with the recent capture of Connor Mahoney from Blackburn Rovers taking the Cherries’ tally of wingers to seven. The tabloid also claims Gradel would prefer to remain in England, though Sunderland, whose manager Simon Grayson he worked with at Leeds United, are strong favourites to sign him and aren’t the only Championship side looking to strengthen out wide. Nevertheless, the Sunderland Echo reports the Mackems are currently seeking a loan deal, which could give those who are able to buy the upper hand.
New Sunderland manager Simon Grayson
Any downsides?
Wednesday possessed one of the Championship’s oldest squads last season and Gradel, who turns 30 this year, would be another Owls player with a relatively short shelf-life. Having signed a new four-year deal at Bournemouth last summer, it’s probable, too, that he’ll be on more money than any player currently at Hillsborough, and his arrival could leave Carvalhal with a collection of high earning stars who can’t all play at once.
Would you like to see Gradel at Sheffield Wednesday?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
