Soccer Football - Premier League - Burnley v Newcastle United - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - May 22, 2022 Burnley's Maxwel Cornet looks dejected after losing the match and being relegated from the Premier League Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Everton are reportedly in contact over a move for Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet, according to The Athletic.
The lowdown: Attacker wanted
Following the sale of Richarlison to Tottenham, the Toffees have already been extensively linked with a number of attacking options this summer, including Chelsea starlet Armando Broja and Inter Milan veteran Edin Dzeko.
The Brazilian’s departure has left a significant hole in the Goodison Park squad, with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon currently at Frank Lampard’s disposal as senior centre-forward options.
However, after Burnley were relegated to the Championship, Ivory Coast international Cornet could seemingly be edging towards a move to Merseyside…
The latest: Everton ‘in contact’ over Cornet
As per The Athletic, Everton are believed to be ‘working on a deal to sign’ the 29-cap forward.
It’s claimed that the two clubs are ‘in contact’ regarding the transfer, with Goodison Park currently the ‘most likely destination’ for the 25-year-old.
The report added that there is ‘interest from other clubs’ in the player, who was hailed as a ‘different class’ by new Everton signing James Tarkowski during their time together as team-mates in Lancashire.
The verdict: Shrewd move
Signing Cornet for the mooted €21m (£17.5m) release clause would represent a superb piece of business from the Everton hierarchy, particularly given the current financial constraints brought about by Financial Fair Play.
During his debut Premier League campaign, the former France youth starlet scored nine times and provided two assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for a Burnley side who struggled for the most part last term.
Predominantly operating as a centre-forward, Cornet – who showcased an eye for the spectacular with a long-range volley against Crystal Palace last November – can also play on either wing and as a makeshift full-back, supreme versatility which would be a welcome addition to Lampard’s ranks.
Sharing a close stylistic match with the likes of Che Adams, Kasper Dolberg, Callum Wilson and reported Everton target Broja (FBRef), the Ivorian’s impressive range of attributes and affordable fee, along with the Toffees’ need for a powerful striker, make this potential move a no-brainer for Kevin Thelwell this summer.
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