This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Everton have seen a bid rejected for Burnley's Maxwel Cornet, it emerged over the weekend.
As per The Sun, the Toffees offer was swiftly snubbed due to it being a loan with a view to buying, rather than an outright purchase.
Burnley are reported to be looking for a permanent sale this summer, with an asking price of £18 million reported by The Sun.
With that in mind, we asked some of our writers here at FLW if they thought that figure was a fair valuation of Cornet, and whether or not they thought the Clarets would get that for the 25-year-old this summer.
Marcus Ally
In today’s market, with four years left on his deal at Turf Moor, Cornet is definitely worth £18 million if not more.
The 25-year-old is incredibly versatile, and adapted to the Premier League with ease to score nine in 26 appearances last term.
The Ivorian should not be sold for any less this summer, and even if clubs do not want to pay that fee, the Clarets may be content with Cornet hanging around and significantly strengthening the club’s promotion bid under Vincent Kompany.
Everton are in something of a sticky situation with profit and sustainability regulations, but if they do not fancy paying that kind of fee, another club will.
Josh Cole
In today's market, this could be considered as a reasonable asking price for Cornet as he illustrated last season that he is capable of producing some moments of magic in the top-flight.
As well as being directly involved in 10 goals at this level, the Ivory Coast international also featured in a number of different positions for Burnley.
A versatile player, Cornet would be an asset to a team who are looking to climb up the Premier League standings next season and thus it wouldn't be at all surprising if a team decides to submit an offer for him.
Unless they receive a bid that matches their valuation, Burnley should keep Cornet at Turf Moor as he could go on to set the second-tier alight with his displays.
Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson
I think £18 million is a fair asking price from Burnley.
Cornet did well in a struggling side in the Premier League last term and is surely worth a punt for a side in the top-flight.
We are seeing a number of clubs struggle to move players on when they'd perhaps like to cash in, though.
Just look at Watford and the cases of Ismaila Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis. Both would like to go, the club would probably like the cash for them, but as yet, no teams have met their valuation.
I think these deals are going to be ones that drag on all summer and I can see Cornet's case being similar.
It may be that Burnley have to lower their valuation slightly, or soften their stance and take an initial loan with a mandatory buy option, as the summer goes on. We shall see.