Cherries pick Gradel

The forward has signed a four-year contract and passed a medical to become manager Eddie Howe's seventh summer signing as he prepares his team for their first ever season in the Premier League.

Ivory Coast international Gradel, 27, was twice loaned to Bournemouth during the 2007-08 season and also worked with Howe while the latter was a coach at Leicester.

His 17 goals in 23 starts significantly contributed to St Etienne's fifth-placed Ligue 1 finish during the 2014-15 campaign, leading to his return to England and the south coast.