Burnley have demanded that Nottingham Forest pay Maxwel Cornet’s full £17.5m release clause this summer, or spend more on the winger.

The Lowdown: Cornet linked with Forest

Steve Cooper still appears to be eyeing up summer reinforcements ahead of Forest’s return to the Premier League as he aims to build the strongest squad possible to tackle the top flight.

Cornet has emerged as a transfer target in recent days, with the Ivorian relegated with Burnley last season and highly unlikely to stay put with them in the Championship.

The winger has a £17.5m release clause which can be triggered this summer, and a key update has emerged in that respect.

The Latest: Burnley’s demands

According to The Daily Mail, Burnley want Forest to pay the clause in one lump sum or accept that they will have to pay even more for the 25-year-old.

Everton and Fulham are also mentioned in the report, with it claimed that they want a loan move with an option to purchase Cornet for £20m next summer.

The Verdict: Worth the money

Cornet was one of the few positives to come out of a dismal 2021/22 season for Burnley, scoring nine goals in the league and netting 61 goals in his club career to date, along with registering 31 assists.

While he would clearly not come to Forest on the cheap – he could be the third-most expensive signing in the club’s history – he would be worth the risk judging by his performances last term and the fact that he should be in and around his peak years for the foreseeable future.

Cornet could add a sprinkling of magic on the left wing at the City Ground, bringing pace, trickery and end product to the team, not to mention six goals in 29 caps for the Ivory Coast.