Newcastle 'ask' about Cornet and learn Leicester's minimum rating from Maddison

Newcastle are interested in signing Maxwel Cornet from Burnley but may have to pay more than his £17.5million release clause, according to reports.

Interest in the Ivory Coast striker is very high this summer after a positive 2021/22 campaign despite Clarets' relegation from the Premier League.

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Cornet joined Turf Moor club from Lyon last summer and included a £17.5million relegation release clause in his contract.

Everton have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old, despite having just signed Dwight McNeil from Burnley in a deal worth around £20m.

After having a £40m offer reportedly rejected by Leicester for England playmaker James Maddison, Newcastle have turned their attention to Cornet, according to the Daily Mail.< /p>

The report claims the Magpies will need to reach a 'compromise' with the Championship side in order to secure the signing.

While a deal is 'explored', Newcastle could pay up to £25m, which is £7.5m above their release clause.

This is because Eddie Howe's side would 'prefer not to pay' £17.5m upfront due to concerns over financial spending rules.

Instead, the Geordies hope to pay the transfer fee in installments over a longer period.

Howe is an 'admirer' of Cornet and is still looking for a new winger and striker after bringing in Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope - from Burnley.

The report adds that Maddison is on the club's radar. It was reported on Saturday morning that Newcastle have submitted a £40million bid for the attacking midfielder from Leicester.

The Foxes paid £25million for the 25-year-old and reportedly rebuffed interest from Arsenal last summer.

CBS Sports correspondent Ben Jacobs has claimed Leicester value Maddison at "over £60m".

It should be noted that Brendan Rodgers' side 'didn't even accept' Newcastle's opening offer.

The Magpies can take some comfort in the situation as Jacobs adds that Rodgers "needs" to offload a player or two if he wants to have "more freedom" in the summer transfer window.

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Leicester are the only Premier League team yet to sign with the first team this summer.

Rodgers are 'prioritizing' retaining Maddison and Wesley Fofana - who have been linked with a move to Chelsea.

Despite the Foxes' need to sell, Newcastle will have to put in a 'huge offer' if they have any chance of taking Maddison away from the King Power.