Newcastle United have become the latest club ready to trigger the release clause of Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet this summer, according to a report.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Turf Moor throughout the transfer window following Burnley's relegation from the Premier League last season.
Despite his club's struggles, Cornet enjoyed a fairly impressive debut campaign in England, scoring nine goals in 26 league appearances following his £13m move from Lyon last summer.
It has been well reported that the Ivorian's contract with the Clarets contains a £17.5m release clause, but despite significant interest from the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest earlier in the window, no suitor has triggered that clause as things stand.
However, Newcastle look set to make their move and win the race according to talkSport, who are reporting that Eddie Howe's side have turned their attentions to Cornet in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
A move for Hugo Ekitike broke down earlier in the summer, and the young French striker eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain instead, and despite links to the likes of Moussa Diaby, Jack Harrison and Anthony Gordon, the Magpies have been unable to add to their three summer arrivals to date.
Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett have joined on permanent deals so far, providing Howe with a much-needed boost to his defensive line, but the former Bournemouth boss remains keen to add a wide forward and a striker before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
Meanwhile, Burnley make their return to the Championship in the EFL season opener at Huddersfield Town on Friday evening, in which Cornet is highly unlikely to play a part.
Matthew Tranter
