Leeds United have made an official approach for Lyon left-back Maxwel Cornet.
The 24-year-old is high on the Whites’ radar and Director of Football Victor Orta has made the first move in trying to land the Ivory Coast international.
It comes after new Lyon manager Peter Bosz declared emerging left-back Melvin Bard would be handed a first-team opportunity next season, opening the door for Cornet to realise his Premier League dream.
It’s no secret that Leeds are on the lookout for a new left-back, with Gjanni Alioski’s contract set to expire this summer. Even if the Macedonian does sign a new deal, it’s clear that the left side of defence is an area where Marcelo Bielsa’s side need to strengthen.
There have been plenty of rumours floating around as to who the club’s new left-back will be. Brest defender Romain Perraud was the first name to be mentioned earlier this year, before Huesca star Javi Galan surfaced as a possible target just last week.
But it appears Cornet is now at the top of Orta’s list with Lyon placing a £20 million price tag on the Ivorian, whose all-action style is perfect for a Bielsa team.
Watford have also been linked with Cornet, however the newly-promoted Premier League side are yet to fully commit on a move for the former France under-21 player leaving Leeds at the front of the queue.
Despite Cornet still being relatively young he has a wealth of experience having regularly played in the Champions League. He even scored in Lyon’s 3-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City in last year’s quarter-finals.
All avenues now lead to Cornet becoming a Leeds player in the near future with the only stumbling block being whether the Whites board consider £20 million is a fair price for the Lyon player.
