Everton are reportedly weighing up a move for West Ham United wide man Maxwel Cornet before the transfer window slams shut.
According to iNews, Everton could be the “busiest club in the top flight on deadline day” with multiple signings still in the works. Manager Sean Dyche wants a winger above all, and the Toffees are said to be in talks over a deal for West Ham United winger Maxwel Cornet.
The report adds that the Toffes performed “financial acrobatics” to get a deal over the line for Beto and are set to work “right up to the 11th hour” on the final day to bring more signings through the door and on financially favourable terms in light of their precarious financial situation.
Sean Dyche’s side are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, having earned zero points from their opening three games. The Toffees are one of four sides with no wins or draws in the top flight, alongside the newly-promoted trio of Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton Town.
The Merseyside outfit have failed to score in any of their opening three league games this campaign, highlighting a clear issue in attack. Having already signed the focal point of their attack in Beto, they are keen to add some extra firepower to their ranks before the window closes on Friday night.
With two wide men potentially set to leave in Demarai Gray and Alex Iwobi, who is nearing a £20 million move to Fulham, the need to add further on the wings has become clear, despite the addition of Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma.
They had interest in Leeds United’s electric winger Wilfried Gnonto. But that move collapsed, with the Whites insisting the Italian teenage sensation is not for sale, despite the public push from the player’s side.
They have now shifted their attention to West Ham United’s Maxwel Cornet, who has already worked with Everton boss Dyche at Burnley and could be eyeing a reunion before the closure of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international has seen his playing time at the London Stadium dwindle in recent times. Cornet joined West Ham one year ago from Burnley in a €20 million move. The former Lyon winger was part of the squad that lifted the 2022/23 Europa Conference League with David Moyes’s side.
But he only registered five assists in 22 games for the East London side in an injury-plagued season. Cornet was an unused substitute for West Ham’s last two Premier League games against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, while he only came off the bench to play one minute in the Hammers’ opening-day away draw at Bournemouth.
The Toffees are ready to take advantage of the situation and have expressed interest in taking him on loan. This is not the first time the Toffees are interested in Cornet. They agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old last summer but could not finalise a transfer fee with Burnley before West Ham swooped in and activated the full release clause. Any permanent move for Cornet could depend on funds from potential player sales.
