According to Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are in talks with Burnley over a deal for Newcastle target Maxwel Cornet.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Newcastle were close to signing the Ivory Coast international, as they prepared to trigger the £17.5m release clause written into his contract at Turf Moor.
However, Sheth of Sky Sports has now claimed that West Ham are in talks to hijack the move.
The Sky Sports reporter believes the Hammers would favour a loan deal for Cornet instead of a permanent deal.
In our view, that is due to Financial Fair Play regulations, as a permanent deal would potentially cause issues following the £35.5m arrival of Gianluca Scamacca and the possible £32.3m signing of Amadou Onana.
Everton are also interested in a deal for Cornet, after taking James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil from Burnley.
Interest in the Ivorian comes after he scored nine goals in 26 Premier League appearances last season.
West Ham must beat Newcastle to Maxwel Cornet
If David Moyes manages to secure Cornet’s signature, it would help him kill two birds with one stone.
The Hammers are searching for a left wing-back, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic already the subject of a failed £12.5m bid from the east Londoners.
West Ham also want another striker despite the signing of Scamacca.
Therefore, Cornet, who can operate at left-back, centre-forward and also as a wide attacker, would be ideal.
The 25-year-old has appeared at left-back on 34 occasions throughout his career, while playing at centre-forward in 33 separate games.
He has also made 23 appearances in the Champions League, so he is a player of some pedigree.
With a fixed release clause of just £17.5m, and a weekly wage of £44,000-a-week, Cornet is a highly affordable option for Moyes, one he simply cannot miss out on.
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