SPECULATION over the future of Max Gradel intensified today when the winger posted what appeared to be a goodbye message to Saint-Etienne fans on social media.

The ex-Cherries loanee has been heavily linked with a summer switch to the Vitality Stadium and has made public his desire to move on from the Ligue 1 club.

Gradel, 27, tweeted “Thank you very much for everything... thanks again” in French, further fuelling the spinning rumour mill.

 


 

Conflicting messages have emanated from both sides of the English Channel in recent weeks with reports that Cherries had agreed personal terms with the wideman at loggerheads with suggestions that fellow Premier League new boys Watford had met Saint-Etienne’s asking price.

Gradel joined Cherries on the eve of the start of the 2007-08 season and spent two separate loan spells with the club, his 10 goals in 38 appearances ultimately failing to help Cherries avoid the drop to League Two.

He returned to Leicester to help them win League One in 2009 before going on to star for Leeds as they clinched promotion to the Championship the following season.

After coming close to signing for West Ham in January 2014, Gradel joined Saint-Etienne for an undisclosed fee in August 2011.