Newcastle United’s interest in Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet ‘has substance’, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interest in Cornet

According to talkSPORT, the Magpies are preparing to trigger the £17.5m release clause in the 25-year-old’s contract, joining a long list of Premier League clubs in the race to secure the Ivorian’s signature.

As per the report, Everton have had a loan bid rejected by the Championship outfit, while Nottingham Forest have failed to agree personal terms with the player.

Chelsea also considered a move for Cornet earlier in the transfer window but have not yet firmed up their interest.

The Latest: Jacobs’ claim

Jacobs believes there is truth in the rumours linking the Ivory Coast international with a move to St James’ Park this summer.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “Maxwel Cornet interest has substance, too. Everton & Forest pushing. He was actually offered to Newcastle earlier in window for his £17.5m release clause. Club felt the price was too high back then. Newcastle one of several EPL clubs considering Watford’s Emanuel Dennis as well.”

The Verdict: Could be a great signing

With Eddie Howe’s side on the lookout for a new attacker to add to their squad’s ranks, Cornet’s underlying statistics illustrate why he could be a strong signing for the Magpies.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the winger ranks in the 81st percentile for tackles and in the 75th percentile for non-penalty goals and interceptions.

These figures occurred whilst he was playing for a struggling Burnley side, with Cornet having scored over a quarter of his team’s goals in the Premier League last season.

Therefore, given that he has proven to be effective in the English top-flight, this could be a great signing for Newcastle if they can pull it off.