According to reports from The Daily Mail, Sunderland and Toulouse have both seen loan bids for Max Gradel rejected by Bournemouth - whilst Sky Sports, reporting on the failed offer from the French outfit, further claim that the African attacker is an important part of Eddie Howe's plans for the new season.

But situations can change rapidly during the summer window and a formal transfer bid rather than a loan request may have the Cherries thinking differently, especially if Sunderland were to offer significantly more than the 29-year-old's current £5.95million market value according to Transfermarkt.

Gradel has endured a troubled spell at the Vitality Stadium due to a series of injury problems but the 45-cap Ivorian has shown his quality in the Championship before, producing a return of 18 goals in 41 apperances for Leeds United during the 2010/11 season.

So, Sunderland fans, should Simon Grayson start considering alternative targets or tempt Bournemouth into selling by tabling a transfer bid? Let us know by voting below...

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