CHERRIES are reportedly closing in on finalising a deal with St Etienne for ex-Dean Court loan star Max Gradel.

Rumours were rife in the French press over the weekend that the two clubs had agreed a fee of around £7million for the Ivorian winger.

And according to L’Equipe, a national newspaper in France, Gradel has been offered terms on a four-year contract and is set to sign early this week, subject to passing a medical.

Gradel’s form for St Etienne has seen him linked with a host of Premier League clubs over the summer with Cherries tipped to finally win the race for his signature.

He netted 17 goals and provided three assists from 23 starts and a further eight appearances from the bench as St Etienne finished fifth in Ligue 1.

Gradel’s exploits helped the club book a place in Europa League qualifying with the 27-year-old playing 90 minutes in their 3-0 win against Romanian outfit ASA Targu Mures on Thursday.

Cherries have also been linked with a move for versatile Middlesbrough star Lee Tomlin, while Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray is another reported target.

Boss Eddie Howe has made six additions ahead of Cherries’ debut campaign in the Premier League with permanent signings Artur Boruc, Adam Federici, Joshua King, Tyrone Mings and Sylvain Distin joined by Chelsea’s Christian Atsu, who has joined on a season-long loan.

Howe, who never comments publicly on transfer targets, told the Daily Echo: “We are working hard and have been for a period of time so will wait and see.

“You know the targets you want but there is a delicate process and there are no guarantees you ever get the ones you want.

“You have to be patient if you want good players and sometimes you miss out to other clubs. We are in that position now where we are seeing what can be done.”

Gradel worked with Howe when he became a firm favourite with Cherries supporters during a fruitful stay in Dorset on loan from Leicester in 2007-08.

Howe, who was on Kevin Bond’s backroom staff at the time, was also linked with a move for the flying winger last summer.

Gradel spent two separate loan spells at Dean Court, his 10 goals in 38 appearances ultimately failing to help Cherries avoid the drop to League Two.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Lee Camp, who has not featured for the first team during pre-season, could leave the club – either permanently or on loan – ahead of Saturday’s kick-off.

A number of Championship and League One clubs are understood to have shown an interest in Camp, who could be available on a free transfer.