Bournemouth 'mulling £5m Max Gradel bid'

Bournemouth have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Saint-Etienne winger Max Gradel.

The Cherries had been linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international and were rumoured to have lodged a £3.6m offer with Les Verts.

However, The Mirror claims that the Ligue 1 club are holding out for closer to £7m, although Gradel is said to be desperate for a move back to England.

Eddie Howe is thought to have not given up on signing Gradel, but is reluctant to spend more than £5m on the ex-Leeds United player.

Bournemouth have already signed striker Joshua King, goalkeepers Artur Boruc and Adam Federici as well bringing in Chelsea's Christian Atsu on a loan deal.

The Cherries have also bought defender Tyrone Mings for a club-record £8m.