Nottingham Forest 'interested' in 'exciting' £17.5m star at City Ground

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet ahead of Premier League football returning to the City Ground, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Boss Steve Cooper has been busy in the transfer market, spending more than £70million on reinforcements, but he could still add further fresh faces to his squad before the September 1 deadline.

Cornet moved to the Premier League for the first time last season, with him making the £12.9million switch from French giants Lyon 11 months ago.

However, he was made to contend with relegation to the Championship as Burnley fell three points short of safety.

While the Clarets are preparing for life in the second tier, Cornet – a 29-cap Ivory Coast international – could make a quickfire return to the Premier League.

That is because – according to the Daily Mail – Forest, Everton and Fulham are looking to secure his signature.

The report suggests that Forest have been ordered to match Cornet’s £17.5million release clause or fork out even more if they want to pay in instalments, while Everton and Fulham have previously tested the waters with a loan offer which includes the option to make the switch permanent for £20million next summer.

Taylor understands that Forest are in the hunt to secure Cornet’s services ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

However, the journalist warns the newly-promoted side will have to meet Burnley’s demands as they are not desperately seeking a buyer.

Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “Cornet is one of interest to Forest. However, Burnley are still pointing towards the £17.5million relegation clause.

“Everton have tried to get him on loan. They’ve also tried to see if Burnley would reduce that price but, at the moment,