Newcastle 'prioritising' £17.5m star who 'shot up wanted list' at St James' Park

Newcastle United are now prioritising the transfer of Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet at St James’ Park this summer, believing he could make an instant impact, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Eddie Howe is preparing his side for the 2022-23 campaign but more transfers could still be completed ahead of the September 1 deadline.

The Ivory Coast international only made the move to Turf Moor from Lyon last summer, signing for £13.5 million but he could be on the move again.

That is because of a relegation release clause included in Cornet’s contract, meaning he is now available for just £17.5 million, something that has caught the eye of Newcastle.

According to MailOnline, the North East giants have approached Burnley but aim to avoid paying the clause in one payment as a way of navigation Financial Fair Play restrictions. Burnley would be looking for closer to £25 million if such a payment method were to be used.

Cornet was left out of Burnley’s squad for their opening game in the Championship this season, a 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town, suggesting that they may be resigned to his departure.

Jones understands that a move for Cornet has become a sudden priority for Newcastle this summer, as Howe looks to strengthen his attacking options.

The transfer insider also believes that, given his release clause, the 25-year-old would represent excellent value for money too.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s definitely one Newcastle are prioritising because he’s available and they think he would make an instant impact in that team, and he’d be ready to go from day one. He’s also really good value compared to other players in his position with that sort of quality. So he’s shot up Newcastle’s wanted list recently.”

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