West Ham United to make Maxwel Cornet decision after Lens approach
Lens have approached West Ham United over a move for forward Maxwel Cornet, according to L’Equipe.
The French news outlet reported via its website on Tuesday (14 January) that the Ligue 1 outfit have enquired about the conditions to broker a deal with the Hammers this month.
Southampton boss Ivan Juric recently confirmed the forward – under contract until 2027 – would return to East London after an underwhelming loan spell on the South Coast.
As per BBC Sport editor Adam Blackmore (2 January), the Irons formally requested Cornet to return from Southampton, and he will be available for a permanent departure in the winter transfer window.
West Ham United have Maxwel Cornet decision to make
The 28-year-old has failed to cut the mustard in the Premier League, whether that be in the capital or on the South Coast.
Despite Southampton boasting a single-digit Premier League points tally in January, Cornet only managed to feature twice for the Saints before he was sent packing back to East London.
According to Alex Crook (30 December), this is a calculated decision by West Ham, who are eager to sanction his permanent sale before the transfer window slams shut on 3 February, before his value plummets any further.
The Irons stand no chance of recouping anywhere close to the £17.5million fee paid for his services to Burnley in 2022 [BBC Sport], but with PSR constraints restricting Graham Potter from strengthening his squad, even a nominal fee would be a welcome boost.
Lens are sitting in seventh place in Ligue 1, fighting for a European finish, so it begs the question of what Will Still sees in a player who has scored only one in two years of Premier League football.
Regardless, Sullivan would be foolish not to bite the hand of the French side for Cornet and end his massively underwhelming spell in East London.
While further details on the negotiations remain unknown, selling Cornet is the easiest decision West Ham will make this winter.
In other West Ham news, the Irons make a move for a player who Cristiano Ronaldo hailed as ‘phenomenal’.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.