Leeds United have been linked with a move to re-sign Bournemouth winger Max Gradel.
Bournemouth’s Max Gradel in action with Preston North End’s Chris Maxwell
A report from The Sun claims that Bournemouth winger Max Gradel is pursuing talks over his future with the club, as his former employers Leeds United line up a move to re-sign him.
The Ivorian international, 29, joined the Cherries from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2015, but he was limited to just one goals in two assists in 13 Premier League appearances last season after a serious knee injury.
This season, Gradel has been fit to play, but has yet to start a Premier League game, having only been given seven substitute appearances by manager Eddie Howe, with a summer exit seemingly on the cards.
It’s claimed that Leeds want to re-sign Gradel if they win promotion, as they look to bring the winger back to Elland Road, having hit 25 goals in 85 games for the club before his 2011 move to Saint-Etienne.
Leeds fans would no doubt love to see the pacey wide man make a return to Elland Road, but this would be a signing that makes sense far beyond simple nostalgia.
Garry Monk currently has two wingers at his disposal who bring similar speed to Gradel out wide, in Hadi Sacko and Modou Barrow – but the loan duo are having their respective problems, making permanent deals seem unlikely.
Leeds’ Mo Barrow in action with Ipswich’s Jonas Knudsen
Sacko, currently borrowed from Sporting Lisbon, has received major criticism for his lack of end product, and with no signs of that improving any time soon, he may be struggling for a permanent deal.
Meanwhile, January addition Barrow – signed on loan from Swansea – has yet to start a game since joining Leeds, and seemingly isn’t doing enough to convince Monk that he’s worth a starting role.
Signing a proven winger with quality and pace in Gradel whilst sending Sacko and Barrow back to their parent clubs could be smart from Leeds – and the fact that Gradel would be making a return to Elland Road is certainly an added bonus.
Would you like to see Leeds re-sign Gradel?
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