West Ham United receive boost in move for Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet
West Ham United could have been given a major boost in their pursuit of Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet with the Ivory Coast international preferring a move to a side playing European football.
Journalist Fraser Fletcher, who has previously worked for the BBC, has reported (via Twitter, 28 July) that the 25-year-old is almost certain to leave Turf Moor this summer.
Fletcher also suggested that some clubs are finding it difficult to structure a move for Cornet with the versatile wing-back intent on playing European football next season.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon reported (via his Patreon, 27 July) that West Ham have opened talks with Cornet.
It’s understood that the Hammers are willing to spend £20million on the Burnley man, and news of the 25-year-old’s European desire puts West Ham ahead of the likes of Everton, Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
At present, the Hammers are the only side playing in Europe that have shown interest in Cornet and the Ivorian could well be inclined to settle for the UEFA Conference League as it will enable him to remain in the Premier League.
Cornet’s versatility would be a good tool for David Moyes to utilise at times in the upcoming 2022/23 season.
He can operate as a full-back, wing-back, winger or as a striker, which means the West Ham boss can switch formations more effectively.
The 25-year-old would be an interesting selection to use up front at times to potentially play as a second striker with new signing Gianluca Scamacca.
This is a move that is certainly not dead in the water for the Hammers as Moyes also looks to find adequate left-sided competition for Aaron Cresswell.