Newcastle United are reportedly now 'ready' to pay Maxwel Cornet's release clause.

The Lowdown: Window heating up

The transfer window is certainly heating up at St. James' Park, with just a few days to go until the start of the new Premier League season.

On top of their pursuit of Cornet, the Magpies have reportedly had a £40m bid rejected by Leicester City for attacking midfielder James Maddison, and so this promises to be an exciting next few weeks for the Toon Army.

The Latest: Cornet clause

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that the North East club now want to 'speed things up' with Cornet, and are 'ready' to pay his release clause, thought to be around €20m (£17m):

"Newcastle want to speed up things for Maxwel Cornet and are ready to trigger the release clause set at around €20M.  

"NUFC's aim is to beat the competition of the other EPL clubs for the Burnley left-winger."

The Verdict: Get it done

Given the competition from a number of their top-flight rivals for Cornet's signature, the Tynesiders need to get this deal done as soon as possible.

Dubbed ‘electric’ last term by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones, the winger shone in a relegated Burnley side with nine goals and one assist in the division (Transfermarkt).

He is capable of playing anywhere across the front line, and can even fill in at left-back if Eddie Howe really wants him to (Transfermarkt), making him a very attractive proposition for the former Clarets manager.