Gradel set to return to France with St Etienne deal agreed

Gradel, whose existing contract was due to expire next summer, had submitted a transfer request earlier in the day stating a desire to secure a return to his native France ‘to play at the highest level’ for his career development.

The two clubs agreed a fee, which is believed to be in the region of £2m, and Gradel, who cost an initial £200,000 from Leicester City two years ago is to undergo a medical today.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “There has been extensive interest in the player who is out of contract at the end of the season, from clubs both in England and France. However, we were reluctant to agree a domestic transfer that could potentially harm our promotion ambitions.”

The sale of the Ivory Coast international could afford Leeds manager Simon Grayson room for manouevre in the transfer market ahead of tonight’s deadline. However, his departure will also leave a major hole to be filled in his side.

A relative unknown when he joined Leeds two years ago, Gradel scored 18 goals in the Championship last season and, with less than 12 months remaining on his contract, became a summer target for several English clubs.

Leeds rejected a £2.5m bid from West Ham United this summer and also rejected a bid this week from French club Sochaux.

Gradel also claims that Fulham had enquired about the possibility of a move to the Premier League.

Leeds’s Carling Cup third round tie against Manchester United has been selected by Sky Sports for Live TV coverage and will be played at Elland Road on Tuesday, September 20 (7.45pm).

n West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has handed in a transfer request after Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp revealed his side were “very, very close” to signing the England international.

Spurs boss Redknapp was hopeful of wrapping up a reported £6m deal for Parker, with the written request seemingly moving him a step closer to the exit door.

Parker, who was encouraged to move by England manager Fabio Capello following the Hammers’ relegation, said: “I have had a fantastic four years at West Ham United and will never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone associated with the club.

“The manager and board have tried hard to convince me to stay but, at this stage in my career, I need to be playing in the Premier League, especially now that I am involved with England.

“I hope the fans will understand and respect my decision.”

Redknapp said of long-time target Parker: “He’s a good player. I think he’s what we need. He’s a good lad, great attitude, good character and a fantastic person.”