Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has admitted Maxwel Cornet looks set to leave the club this summer as speculation continues regarding his future.
Everton are one of the clubs who have been linked with the former Lyon man, whose £17.5m release clause became active following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League last season.
Cornet made an instant impression after arriving from Lyon last summer, scoring nine times in 26 league outings, though his contributions were not enough to keep Burnley afloat in the top-flight.
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Many believed Burnley dropping down to the Championship would mark the end of the Ivorian's brief spell at the Lancashire club and the latest signs certainly suggest a transfer exit could soon be forthcoming. The 25-year-old was absent for the Clarets' pre-season meeting with Shrewsbury Town on Friday evening, which soon became a talking point after the full-time whistle had gone.
Addressing the future of Cornet to reporters, Kompany said via Lancs Live : "I don't know close it is, it is no secret there is a couple of clubs in for him and a couple of clubs have made good offers. We have to prepare probably for a period after him and that is what we are doing. I am not saying Maxwel has gone, he has offers."
Burnley travel to Portugal on Sunday for a pre-season camp and it seems 'highly unlikely' Cornet will be in attendance, LancsLive have claimed. A latest report by The Athletic has revealed Everton are 'believed to be in contact' over a deal for Cornet and discussions are set to continue as the Blues strive for a breakthrough.
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