Sunderland 'step up Max Gradel pursuit'

Sunderland have reportedly made progress in their pursuit of Bournemouth attacker Max Gradel.

The 29-year-old only signed a new four-year contract at Bournemouth last summer, but he failed to start a single Premier League game last season, and it is understood that the former Leicester City youngster will depart the Cherries this summer.

Toulouse are believed to have failed with a loan move for Gradel earlier this month, but according to the Daily Mail, Sunderland are confident of completing a deal in this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is keen to keep hold of Gradel, but the Frenchman wants first-team football for the 2017-18 campaign.

Gradel has scored nine times in 45 appearances for Ivory Coast.