After weeks of dormancy, the Everton transfer activity has picked up the pace. The Toffees have been linked to numerous players but all seemed to be failed pursuits as targets ended up joining other clubs. Everton have now been linked to Maxwel Cornet and Dwight McNeil and the Toffees are trying to secure both players.
Everton parted ways with Richarlison as the Brazilian joined Tottenham Hotspur for a deal worth £60 million. The Toffees had lost one of their most passionate and committed player on the team, an overall talismanic presence who could impact the result of the game. In fact, the Brazilian had five goal contributions in the last seven games of the season which helped Everton stay afloat in the Premier League.
Replacing such a vibrant character on the pitch is a daunting task. The Toffees have been in the market to sort out this situation and on the road have been linked to the likes of Armando Broja, Emmanuel Dennis and so many other attackers. Most recently, the Toffees were looking at Cornet who is almost destined to leave Burnley, who will play Championship football next season.
The Ivorian attacker has a release clause of £17.5 million and has caught the eye of many Premier League clubs, including Everton’s. He was Burnley’s top scorer last season, netting nine goals in the English Top Flight. The Royal Blues face competition for Cornet as newly promoted Nottingham Forest and Fulham are also pushing to sign the 25 year old.
Everton want Dwight McNeil and Maxwel Cornet
According to BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher, the Toffees are still trying to sign Cornet and his teammate McNeil is not an alternative. That means, the Toffees are pushing to sign not only McNeil but also Cornet.
Previously, McNeil has been associated with a move to Everton but nothing came to fruition. Things have finally swung in Everton’s favour as the 22 year old is almost confirmed as the new signing. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Everton have reached an agreement with Burnley for the transfer of McNeil in the region of £20 million. The medical is almost complete and the Englishman will sign a five year deal to stay at Merseyside.
Everton have already acquired one of their two Burnley targets. McNeil will follow Ruben Vinagre, who was announced earlier today. The 22 year old will be Everton’s third signing of the window but Frank Lampard is keen to further add reinforcements to the squad. Cornet’s chase can further spice up due to the immense competition but if the Toffees manage to sign the Ivorian, they will complete a double transfer swoop worth £37.5 million.
Will Everton complete the signing of Maxwel Cornet after acquiring Dwight McNeil?