Leeds are reportedly in the mix to sign Burnley attacker Maxwel Cornet but face plenty of competition for the Ivory Coast international from clubs including Newcastle – a player Chris Wood said last season has “fantastic quality”.
Cornet, 25, made the surprise move from Lyon to Burnley last summer. Eclipsing 250 appearances in a Lyon shirt, Burnley pulled off a real coup with Cornet. But the Clarets have since been relegated and he is likely to leave.
The Guardian report that Cornet has a £17.5million release clause in his contract that has now become active, due to relegation. Everton, Newcastle and West Ham are among his admirers – as are Leeds, according to 90Min.
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Asked about Cornet’s brilliant start to last season, which saw him finish with nine Premier League goals in 26 games, ex-Leeds and current Newcastle striker was full of praise. He told the Shropshire Star that Cornet has “fantastic quality”.
“I think we’re going to sit down at the end of the season and just watch a highlight reel of his best goals. He’s got fantastic quality as a player, you see that on the pitch, and we’re lucky to have him. Long may it continue.”
Leeds in mix for Cornet: Wood said has ‘fantastic quality’
Who needs Cornet the most – Leeds, Everton, Newcastle or West Ham? Well, the Hammers are well-stocked out wide. They have the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals, Nikola Vlasic and more.
Everton also have options, and have already raided Burnley twice for James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil. McNeil faces competition from Andros Townsend, Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray.
Newcastle also have players on the flanks, but need a right winger that eclipses the quality of Ryan Fraser, Miggy Almiron and Jacob Murphy. Cornet does that. Leeds, meanwhile, need attacking depth. Newcastle or Leeds, then.
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