Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has provided an update regarding Everton‘s reported interest in Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet.
What’s the word?
Writing on Twitter about the 25-year-old’s future, the transfer insider revealed that the Toffees – along with fellow Premier League side West Ham United – are in discussions to sign the Ivorian this summer, with it looking increasingly likely that he will depart Turf Moor this summer.
Sheth stated: “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.”
As the journalist stated above, the former Lyon man is believed to have a £17.5m release clause in his existing deal with the Clarets, albeit with the Goodison Park club having reportedly opted for a loan approach which was subsequently rebuffed by the Championship outfit.
Imagine him and McNeil
The Merseysiders have already raided Vincent Kompany’s side to secure the signings of experienced centre-back James Tarkowski and highly-rated youngster Dwight McNeil, with the latter having only recently joined on a £20m deal.
While the 22-year-old failed to score a top-flight goal last term, he has already endeared himself to his new club after netting twice in the recent pre-season friendly victory over Dynamo Kyiv, with that impressive brace hopefully a sign of things to come for the Englishman as the new campaign gets underway.
Do Everton need Maxwel Cornet?
Adding Cornet into the mix will bolster Frank Lampard’s attacking options even further, with the £13.5m-rated man having blossomed in his debut campaign in English football last term, having only joined the Clarets on a £12.9m deal last summer.
The £44k-per-week machine scored nine goals in what proved to be a sparkling season on an individual note despite the collective disappointment of relegation, notably registering a goal and an assist in the survival scrap between the two teams in April.
That display showcased just what the “electric” ace – as described by journalist Andy Jones – is all about, with the 5 foot 10 speedster also offering invaluable versatility to feature at full-back, in a wide midfield role or even in a centre-forward berth.
McNeil also has the flexibility to slot in anywhere across the forward line, with the pair’s unpredictability and adaptability potentially set to prove a huge bonus for Lampard and co, with a lack of quality forward options having been a real concern last term. With the notable exception of Richarlison, who of course is now at Tottenham, goals were hard to come by from the Toffees’ attackers.
With both players proving that they can make an impact in the final third, the one-time Burnely team-mates could well wreak havoc in tandem for Everton this season if they are reunited at Goodison Park.
