West Ham United are pushing ahead to sign Maxwel Cornet from Burnley as they have reportedly activated his £17.5m release clause.
Burnley’s lack of investment in the transfer market caught up with them last season as they were relegated after six years in the Premier League.
While it was a poor season for the Clarets, Cornet was one of their bright sparks after signing from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.
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Nine goals in the Premier League was a strong return given the 2021/22 campaign was his first in England.
He also showed his versatility last term as he was used as a winger and centre-forward.
Following their relegation, Cornet emerged as an obvious signing for Premier League teams to make this summer. Especially given that he has a release clause of £17.5m.
West Ham have been heavily linked with him in recent months, though it emerged earlier this week that Newcastle are also interested.
Ex-Premier League forward Noel Whelan thinks Cornet would be a “brilliant signing” for Eddie Howe’s side:
“You’re looking at reasonable money for a good Premier League player,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“That’s what Newcastle have been all about. He’s proven his worth during his season at Burnley – so I’m not surprised to see a few clubs after him.
“You can’t say that Saint-Maximin and the other wide players aren’t going to go through the whole season without injury or suspension. There are a lot of games.
“I think it’d be another exciting, brilliant signing. It’s almost like they’re bringing back the days of The Entertainers.
“They need players who can get fans excited and off their seats.”
The Magpies look set to miss out on Cornet though. Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham are the first side to activate the attacker’s £17.5m release clause.
This move is edging closer as West Ham have ‘agreed a deal’ with Burnley. It is even claimed that Cornet will undergo a medical in London on Thursday evening.
This development is a boost after it was revealed by Fabrizio Romano that West Ham are facing difficulties in their pursuit of Lille’s Amadou Onana.
The midfielder has been West Ham’s top midfield target throughout this summer and on Wednesday they had a £33.5m bid accepted.
This transfer is not cut and dry though as Onana is said to ‘prefer’ a move to Everton, which is very surprising given the state of both clubs.
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