Crystal Palace launch hijack of West Ham United deal with Southampton for Maxwel Cornet
Crystal Palace have launched a bid to hijack Maxwel Cornet’s West Ham exit to Southampton, according to Ryan Taylor.
The Mirror journalist reported via X on 30 August that the Hammers are “progressing” in talks over a loan exit with both Premier League clubs.
If they reach an agreement with both the decision will then rest with the Ivorian winger where he wants to go before the deadline.
Fabrizio Romano had reported on 29 August that the Saints were about to land a deal for Cornet, but that is now in question.
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Cornet appears to have more enthusiasm towards his abilities outside of the London Stadium than he has for some time at West Ham so a move should be a positive step for him.
A Southampton loan proved to be what Flynn Downes needed to rebound after his own difficult move to the Hammers, with David Moyes never seeming sold on either.
The midfielder completed a permanent move back to St. Mary’s this summer and a positive loan for Cornet could be working towards that outcome as well.
But Cornet has displayed quality in the Premier League previously with Burnley, hence why the Irons signed him for £17.5million [Sky Sports], and Palace have a gap in their attack after losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.
And if there are two teams fighting to sign him for the season it should at least increase the chances that the Hammers will get all of his wages covered.
The club were willing to sell him this summer despite the managerial change to Julen Lopetegui [The Athletic, 4 June] but they appear not to have received interest in a permanent deal.
In other West Ham news, many clubs are now pushing to sign a senior Irons ace after he rejected move.
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