Max Gradel has promised Saint-Etienne that he will not fight them over a move to Bournemouth this summer, even though he is hoping to embark upon a new adventure.
The former Leeds United forward is wanted by the newly promoted Premier League club, but their offer of €5m falls well short of the €10m asking price that Saint-Etienne have slapped on his head.
Gradel would like to return to England and sample the Premier League, but he has promised he will not make trouble if Saint-Etienne stick to their guns and Bournemouth do not meet the French side's asking price. Indeed, he does not want to anger a side whose fans he respects.
"There are discussions. For now, I wait", he told France Football.
"I still belong to Saint-Etienne. I have two years on my contract. I'm not going to clash [with them]", Gradel continued.
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"They remain my club! The fans are fantastic, there is a great atmosphere [in the stadium].
"But it's also true I want to look elsewhere. I need something new.
"But if they do not agree to sell me, I can do nothing about it. I would go back to the club."
Gradel was in sensational form for Saint-Etienne last season and scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 for Les Verts.
He joined the French outfit in 2011 from Leeds, where he remains a fan favourite.
