Gradel for Smith? Toon transfer titbits.

January 5th, 2011 | 24 Comments |

The rumour, courtesy of Sky Sports, does beg some questions though, the first of which being whether Leeds – currently 5th in the Championship – would actually sell someone who could be pivotal to their promotion push.

In fact, when Toon interest was first mentioned at the end of last year, Leeds boss Simon Grayson stated that Gradel is not for sale, but the rumour fails to go away and now Alan Smith has been added into the equation.

From what I can gather, Smith would only be loaned to Leeds for the rest of the season but that could act as a sweetener if Pardew is determined to secure the services of Gradel.

Gradel – a 23 year old from the Ivory Coast – has been in fine form this season, notching up 7 goals in 19 games and providing exemplary service to the strikers from the wing.

Gradel came out of the Leicester City youth academy and made a name for himself on loan to Bournmouth before being first loaned to and then signed up permanently by Leeds on a contract that runs until the summer of 2012. Gradel has admitted he’d welcome a move to the Premiership ‘at some stage’ but – wisely perhaps – has said nothing beyond that. (more…)