Two Alternatives For Max Gradel Who Sunderland Can Target
Sunderland will be forced to look elsewhere for reinforcements having finally lost a battle to bring in Max Gradel from Bournemouth.
Manager Simon Grayson has spent most of the summer attempting to sign Gradel and the two clubs had initially agreed on a deal to bring the winger to the Stadium of Light on loan. The player has always insisted however, that he favoured a return to France and has now completed a season-long loan move to Toulouse, a move which would allow him to spend more time with his family.
Former Preston North End manager Grayson has already made seven signings during this window and expects to add more new blood to the Black Cats’ squad before the window closes. Given the interest in some of his own players from other clubs though, Grayson is one of the set insisting that the window should close before the season kicks off.
That could soon be a reality with the relative authorities meeting to discuss such proposals in September. For now though, Grayson may be pleased that he can still trade and here are two alternatives to Gradel he may look at:
Joe Lolley (Huddersfield Town)
Like Gradel, Lolley can play on either flank, though he is also comfortable playing up front if needed. Huddersfield have made big strides in the transfer market since their promotion to the Premier League and with Tom Ince now at the club, there is even less opportunity for Lolley.
The Terriers signed the 24-year-old from Kidderminster back in 2014 and he has made decent strides, also spending time on loan at Scunthorpe United. The Premier League however, has begun to look just a step too far for him and a move to Sunderland could benefit all the parties involved.
Ryan Hedges (Barnsley)
He may fly under the radar of most of the wider football world, but Hedges is more than capable at this level and is already a scorer of two goals in the Championship this season, having netted in a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest and the Tykes’ defeat at Bristol City.
Hedges also scored in Barnsley’s 4-3 win over Morecambe, in what has been an excellent start to the campaign for the former Leyton Orient and Stevenage man, who, once again, can play out wide on either flank.
Hedges could be precisely what Sunderland need in this transformation season and at just 22 years of age, he has plenty more to give yet. Simon Grayson may need to think outside the box somewhat in his quest for new talent and Hedges could be that man.