Gradel the subject of Russian interest

The transfer window in Britain and most of Europe might be firmly locked with the blinds rolled down, however in Russia they are very much at the business end of their period of business with Sky Sports News reporting that Max Gradel is proving to a popular name with the Russian gossip columns.

It seems almost lightyears ago that Gradel was terrorising defenses on the Bournemouth coast and later captivating fans at Elland Road with a series of supreme displays. The Ivory Coast international now plays his trade with French club St Etienne, where he is currently midway through his second season. It seems that impressive performances with St Etienne have not gone unnoticed by the eager eyes of Russia and it is being reported that a number of the countries top clubs are ready to flex their ever growing financial muscle.

St Etienne are likely to be reluctant to sell given that the European window is now shut and therefore any sale would leave them a key player light, with no possibility of a replacement. Whether Gradel will move or not also remains to be seen, given that African players moving to Russia has not always turned out a success in recent years although this appears to be having no effective on the growing number of players moving East.

Whatever happens Gradel is likely to be a significant talking point as the Russian version of Jim White brings their window to a close.

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