RUMOURS surrounding a Cherries return for Max Gradel gathered pace today with conflicting reports emanating either side of the English channel.

French website Le10Sport claims 27-year-old Gradel has already agreed personal terms with the Dean Court club but that current club Saint-Etienne are holding out for 10 million euro.

In the UK, speculation was rife that the clubs had agreed a fee, paving the way for the switch to be announced “in the coming days”.

It comes on the back of Gradel admitting to French journalists that he is looking for “something new” after firing home 17 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit last season.

Discussing his future, Gradel said: “I still belong to Saint-Etienne. I have a two-year contract and I'm not going to clash.

“But it's true that I also want to look elsewhere. I need something new but if they do not agree to sell me, I could do nothing, I would return to the club.”

Earlier in his career, Gradel enjoyed two fruitful loan spells at Cherries during the 2007-8 season but despite 10 goals in 38 appearances, could not prevent the club dropping into League Two.