Sochaux Chairman: Gradel Move At 'Advanced Stage' TSS August 30, 2011 Transfer News 98 Comments Max Gradel appears to be the stalling point in a £7m deal that would see Sochaux midfielder Modibo Maiga sign for Newcastle United. Sochaux chairman Alexander Lacombe told Sky Sports he will only sell Maiga when suitable cover has been secured and that negotiations with a view to signing Max Gradel are at an “advanced stage”. With the transfer window due to close Wednesday night, it looked as though Max Gradel would be staying at Elland Road with Ken Bates reassuring supporters that he had no intentions of selling Leeds’ star winger. But all summer long Max has been the subject of constant transfer speculation and it seemed only a matter of time until someone produced the “silly money” Ken Bates has been waiting for. If this deal does go through, the big question is whether Leeds will have a replacement ready to come in before the transfer window closes? Update: Andrew Haigh at The Sun has chased this up and it seems Leeds United have REJECTED the offer. More here.