Watford are rivalling West Ham for the signing of Saint-Etienne winger Max Gradel this month, reports L’Equipe.
The French newspaper suggests that the Premier League duo want to bring the former Leeds United player back to English football, and the player is said to be holding out for that very move.
West Ham were reportedly considering a move for Gradel earlier this summer, and speaking to L’Équipe on the 29th of May 2015, Gradel confirmed that England is his desire.
“I want to play in big competitions and push further.
“I will sit down at the table with St Étienne representatives to discuss and see if they harbour even greater ambitions for next season.
“Then I will take my decision. England welcomed me, adopted me, made me feel confident and allowed me to realise my dream of becoming a professional footballer. This country (England) is my heart’s desire. That is no secret.”
Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Sunderland have all also been linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international, who scored 17 goals in 31 appearances last season for Saint-Etienne, including 13 in his last 12 games.
The Ligue 1 club will respect his desires to leave the club, and will allow the winger to leave the club if they receive a €10m offer for him.
That would roughly be a similar amount as West Ham will receive in total from Middlesbrough from the sale of Stewart Downing, which will reportedly be completed next week.
