Former St Etienne defender Fousseni Diawara is backing their move for Bournemouth winger Max Gradel.

Gradel is interesting ASSE after a superb season on-loan at Toulouse.

Diawara, now with FC Tours, said: "We're talking about Gradel. He's a guy who loves the club, who gave everything to the club when he was there. He has the culture of winning. He's a fighter. He had 17 goals in his last season. He left good memories.

"We need hallmark players and with him we would save time. He knows the house. He can be a good recruit. He showed Toulouse that he had a few good years left."