Newly-promoted Premier League side Fulham have initiated a move for Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet.
According to Daily Mail, Fulham have identified Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet as a summer transfer target after failing to sign former Juventus winger Federico Bernadeschi. The Cottagers were initially interested in Cornet but then shifted focus on Bernadeschi before the Italy international joined Toronto FC.
25-year-old Cornet joined Burnley just last season from Olympique Lyon in a €15 million deal and impressed in what was a highly disappointing season for the Clarets. Burnley were relegated to the Championship after finishing 18th in the Premier League table and are set to lose some of their top players, including Cornet.
Fulham were among the first clubs to show interest in the 25-year-old but then shifted focus towards Bernadeschi. However, the Italy international chose against joining the newly-promoted Premier League side.
The Cottagers wanted to include a relegation clause to Bernadeschi’s contract which would have seen the player take a pay cut if the club were relegated back to the Championship. But having been snubbed by the former Juventus ace, Fulham have returned to the market for Cornet, but other clubs are also showing interest.
Everton have recently stepped up their interest in the Burnley winger with reports claiming their first offer for the Ivory Coast international was turned down. Daily Mail claim the Clarets turned down a loan offer from the Merseyside club and want them to trigger the player’s £17.5 million release clause.
As Burnley turned down Everton’s first approach, Fulham have stepped back in and have reportedly made an offer for the winger, who can also play as a wing-back, which would especially interest both Frank Lampard and Marco Silva.
In his only season in the Premier League, Cornet scored nine goals and provided one assist. With Burnley getting relegated to the Championship, the 25-year-old is said to be keen on leaving the club just a year after joining them.
Whether Fulham are able to beat Everton in the race to sign the Ivorian or miss out on him like they did with Bernardeschi remains to be seen.