Max Gradel heads to france

French outfit St Etienne have reached an agreement with Leeds for highly-rated winger Max Gradel.

The Ligue 1 side announced on Tuesday that a deal has been struck with the Whites for their 23-year-old forward.

Gradel has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, including a number of sides outside of England.

Sochaux were believed to be leading the chase for his signature, but St Etienne appear to have edged ahead of their domestic rivals.

Gradel is due in France on Wednesday for a medical, with both sides of the deal now facing a race against time to push through a transfer before the summer deadline passes.

St Etienne revealed on their official website that they are closing on Gradel, while they are also looking to tie up a move for Steaua Bucharest midfielder Banel Nicolita.

A statement released by the club read: "On Tuesday evening, agreements have been reached in principle with Steaua Bucharest and Leeds United for the arrivals of Banel Nicolita and Max Gradel.

"Both players have been in St Etienne's sights for several weeks and will arrive on Wednesday for medical checks and to complete the final details of their contracts."

Leeds have confirmed that they reluctantly accepted a bid after seeing Gradel hand in a transfer request.

source: sky sports

Oh well, at least Ken Bates will use the cash to buy a few players....

Terrible news,my Gradel jersey is worthless now!

Leeds - Relegation

A bit harsh JD. Leeds may have some obnoxious fans, but they don't appear to be on here.

Having lived there for a short while as a kid I do actually have a soft spot for them (dirty tactics against us notwithstanding).

Also, after the trauma we've been through, I'm a lot less inclined to laugh at other clubs' misfortunes. Gradel was one of their best players and I think they'll have a hard time replacing him.

Leeds are from up north

Doing alright without him midtable game in hand...