Vincent Kompany admits Maxwel Cornet will ‘not be involved’ in Burnley’s next Championship game as West Ham United close in on a deal to bring the winger back to the Premier League, speaking to Lancs Live.
The Burnley boss had some mixed news for the Clarets supporters at his Thursday press conference.
While all-but confirming the impending arrival of Manuel Benson from Royal Antwerp, Kompany also revealed that Cornet would not be part of his squad for Luton Town’s trip to Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon.
The former Lyon forward, Lancs Live say, will be unveiled as a West Ham player in the ‘coming days’.
The Europa League semi-finalists have agreed a deal that will see the reported Newcastle United and Leeds target join in a £17.5 million deal. At least, if there is a consolation, Burnley have made a tidy profit on a player who joined for £13 million just 12 months ago.
Maxwel Cornet on verge of leaving Burnley for West Ham United
“My focus has only been on incoming players and players who are available for the weekend,” Kompany explains. “For me, that is the priority.
“At this moment in time, Max is not going to be involved on Saturday. And, with the situation ongoing, we will manage it.”
Cornet, who scored nine largely spectacular goals during an otherwise dreadful Burnley season, will bring pace, skill and versatility to a rather small West Ham squad. According to The Standard, David Moyes believes the Ivory Coast international can operate as a wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation or further forward in attack.
Cornet did his best work at Burnley up front. But he thrived as an attack-minded left-back during his final few months as a Lyon player.
Manuel Benson, meanwhile, looks set to replace Cornet at Turf Moor. The Clarets agreed a £4 million fee with Antwerp this week, with coach Mark van Bommel refusing to stand in the Belgian’s way.
“It is the business end of the pitch. And these type of things are sometimes a little bit harder to coach,” Kompany adds. “Someone like Benson is a player I believe still has a lot of progression in him.
“I am sure very soon everything will be confirmed. But, when he is here, I think he is a player who will give us that little bit of instinct in the final third.”
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