West Ham United want Maxwel Cornet but Burnley have rejected their first offer for the winger amid interest from other clubs.
The Hammers have been focusing on signing Filip Kostic of late, but a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt ace looks unlikely now.
Kostic’s versatility all the way up the left flank was hugely appealing to West Ham and they may now target similar players.
Leicester City’s Luke Thomas has been mentioned but it looks like Burnley ace Maxwel Cornet is the prime focus.
West Ham United want Maxwel Cornet
The Guardian now report that West Ham did make a first bid for Cornet on Tuesday night but Burnley have rejected that offer.
West Ham offered £17million for Cornet, which is just short of an alleged release clause in his Burnley contract.
Just how that deal was structured could be key here; a release clause would have to be paid up front and in full.
West Ham may have looked to structure a deal differently to lessen the immediate financial burden, which Burnley won’t be interested in.
It’s stated that West Ham are now close to reaching an agreement for Cornet to make the move to East London though.
Cornet, 25, joined Burnley from Lyon last summer and made an instant impact in the Premier League.
The Ivory Coast international notched nine goals in 26 Premier League games, proving to be one of Burnley’s few shining lights.
Cornet was never likely to play Championship football and was left out of Burnley’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town last weekend.
Hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by compatriot Kolo Toure, Cornet has attracted major interest from other Premier League clubs.
Reports over the weekend suggested that Newcastle United had made an approach and were hoping to sign Cornet.
It now seems that West Ham are leading the race for Cornet, adding a natural left winger who can also play up front or at wing back if needed.
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