Newcastle given chance to sign Maxwel Cornet and Watford ace amid hunt for new forward

Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Maxwel Cornet from Burnley as well as a Watford star, according to a report.

The Magpies are hoping to sign a new striker this summer. They were in negotiations with Stade Reims for Hugo Ekitike, but he is now closer to joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Eddie Howe already has Callum Wilson and Chris Wood available at the top of the pitch. But with backup option Dwight Gayle set to leave, Newcastle might need a new signing in that area.

And he could do with being young or in his prime, as both Wilson and Wood are now 30 years old.

According to The Chronicle, Newcastle have been given the opportunity to sign Burnley’s Cornet. He moved to the Premier League last summer as the Clarets paid Lyon £12.9million for his signature, as per Sky Sports.

Cornet went on to register nine goals and two assists in 29 matches during his debut campaign at Turf Moor.

Despite this, Burnley couldn’t avoid relegation to the Championship. And with 25-year-old Cornet wanting to play top-flight football, a summer move is now a possibility.

The Chronicle state Newcastle have been ‘offered’ Cornet. However, it’s unclear if this was done by his club or his agent.

Maxwel Cornet and Watford star linked with Newcastle

The Ivorian tends to play on the left wing but was used regularly as a striker last season. He had an impact there too, so Howe and Newcastle could end up looking into a deal.

Howe also wants to sign a new wide man this summer. This means Cornet would tick both of these boxes.

An alternative to Cornet is Watford star Emmanuel Dennis. Like Cornet, he moved to England last summer.

Watford paid Club Brugge just £3.6m for him and it turned out to be a bargain.

The 24-year-old went on to become Watford’s top scorer last season, notching 10 goals and six assists in 35 outings.

Dennis has proven he is able to cut it in the Prem. But with Watford set to feature in the Championship next season, he would welcome a transfer away from Vicarage Road.

He usually operates at centre-forward but can also play on either flank if required. His versatility, similar to Cornet’s, would make him a great option for Newcastle.

In Cornet and Dennis, the Magpies have two talented forwards they can choose from. And with both stars now at relegated clubs, they could be picked up for cut-price fees.

Meanwhile, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has been speaking about rumoured Newcastle target Lucas Paqueta.