Saint-Etienne in no hurry to sell in-demand Gradel

Gradel was outstanding in the second half of last season for Les Verts, scoring 13 goals in the last 13 games to help Saint-Etienne qualify for Europe after returning from winning the Africa Cup of Nations with his country.

The former Leeds United player later confirmed that he wanted to leave for pastures new, but Galtier said that the little 27-year-old is expected back for pre-season training on July 13.

"Since I have been at the club, we have never prevented a player from leaving and going where he wants provided the conditions are right, both for the player and the club," Galtier said.

"It will be the same for Max-Alain Gradel. We are not going to give away our leading scorer if he can't find a club capable of putting on the table an offer that matches our valuation.

"If that is not the case, our leading scorer will stay at the club and I will be very happy."

Saint-Etienne have already lost Franck Tabanou since the transfer window opened, with the left-sided player joining Swansea City for around 4.9 million euros (£3.5m, $5.6m).

However they have signed the midfielder Vincent Pajot from Rennes and are on the brink of bringing in Benoit Assou-Ekotto, the Cameroon international latterly in England with Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers.