West Ham United are the latest Premier League club to join the race to sign Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet. The Ivorian is one of a number of players to have been repeatedly linked with a move to Newcastle United and speculation surfaced on Friday claiming the Magpies were ready to pursue a deal.
The Mail claimed Eddie Howe's side had been in talks with the recently relegated Clarets, but Everton and Leeds United have also been linked with a move for the versatile winger. Cornet was the silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season for the Clarets, scoring nine goals in 26 games following his move from Lyon.
However, Sky Sports claim West Ham have now joined the race to sign the 25-year-old - opting against activating his £17.5million release clause. Newcastle were also reportedly looking to avoid stumping up the full release clause for Cornet, preferring a structured deal based on instalments.
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Dharmesh Seth, of Sky Sports, tweeted: "West Ham United have held initial talks with Burnley over the signing of Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet. West Ham thought to favour a loan. Everton have been in talks about signing him. It is understood Cornet has a £17.5m release clause."
It's no surprise to see interest in Cornet beginning to ramp up, with the Premier League curtain raiser this weekend and managers keen to finalise their squad before deadline day.
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