Sunderland target Max Gradel has reportedly indicated that he will be staying at Bournemouth during the upcoming season.
New Black Cats boss Simon Grayson previously worked with Gradel at Leeds United and had made the Ivory Coast international one of his main targets for this summer.
Sunderland were reportedly looking to secure Gradel on a season long loan deal though the Cherries were said to only be keen on letting the player go on a permanent transfer and were wanting to be paid £3 million for a sale to take place.
However, the 29-year-old Gradel recently delivered a good performance during his teams pre-season victory over Estorial, providing the assist for the first goal and scoring the second himself to secure a 2-1 win for his side and he could now well look to stay put.
His performances may also convince the club to keep him and he recently indicated that he would like to remain at the Vitality, saying, “I need to find a fresh point to start and hope I find it now and then, hopefully, I can help my team and my team-mates this season.
“I have a good feeling about this season so aim to keep working hard and make sure I keep doing well. It is nice to hear the compliments of the manager and for me, I have to now keep working hard and make sure he says that all the time this season.”
