The King Is Dead-Long Live The King!

Authur Masuaku has joined Turkish side Besiktas on a season's loan with an option to buy, Hammers will be payng 50% of 'King' Authur's wages. Masuaku's exit has intensified Hammers search for a replacement and the club
have reignited their interest in Burnley's versatile winger Maxwel Cornet after growing frustrated with their pursuit of Frankfurt's Filip Kostic.

David Moyes had considered Cornet earlier in the window but had opted to pursue Kostic instead, indeed the Kostic deal looked as if it was going to happen and it might still because he shares the same agent as Gianluca Scamacca, however Kostic's uncertainty regarding moving to East London as opposed to staying put and playing in the Champions League for Frankfurt means that Moyes is now looking elsewhere.

25 year old Ivory Coast international Maxwell Cornet has had offers from Nottingham Forest, Everton, Fulham and Newcastle United but didn't fancy any of them. He scored nine goals last season after joining Burnley from Lyon and has a £17.5 Million release clause, but it is understood that has to be paid in one instalment or Burnley will look for a fee of over £25 Million if paid in instalments.

Fulham have offered £5 Million for an initial loan with a further £20 Million should they stay in the Premier League, but Cornet is unhappy about leaving a relegated team for one which is threatened with relegation. Similarly Everton have also proposed a loan while Forest thought they had an agreement with Burnley over the fee but couldn't find agreement on personal terms with the player.

Moyes is ready for West Ham to make it a permanent deal despite some early reservations about previous injuries as his need for cover at left back and on the wing has intensified due to the'King's' departure to Besiktas. Burnley are looking to replace Cornet with Manuel Benson from FC Antwerp, with the 25 year old due for a medical ahead of agreeing a four year deal.

Cornet could blow a good tune for Moyes and the boys!- Ed