English Clubs Swarm Bargain-Priced Mali and Auxerre Hero

Wolves, Coventry and Boro Rival United for Auxerre Forward

Strikers are the modern transfer market’s true currency - more than in any other position, clubs are willing to pay over the odds in order to secure a goalscorer who, more often than not, will fail to reward the immense money invested in them.

We have seen it all over the world in recent years - Chelsea’s repeated failings with top-quality finishers, Man United with Rasmus Hojlund and Benjamin Sesko and Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus and, to an extent, Viktor Gyokeres.

Wolves, Coventry and Middlesbrough are eyeing moves for Auxerre and Mali hot-shot Lassine Sinayoko to bolster their attacking options. #wwfc #skyblues #Boro #auxerre pic.twitter.com/TvLhJSaSVN

— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 27, 2026

Now, another striker saga is developing before our very eyes, with Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko drawing significant interest from Premier League sides Wolves and Manchester United, as well as leading Championship pairing Coventry and Middlesbrough.

Who is Lassine Sinayoko?

Sinayoko has been gathering plaudits at a rapid rate in recent weeks - United were first linked with him just days before the January transfer window opened, while three goals in five games for Mali at the AFCON saw him go from a complete unknown to a household name.

So who is he?

Well, the 26-year-old has been Auxerre’s number one striker since 2021, when he helped the French side seal promotion to Ligue 1, and he has played 35+ games per season ever since.

Remarkably, he still does not have a 10+ goal season to his name, but his importance to Auxerre cannot be understated - he has six Ligue 1 goals to his name this season, which amounts to 42% of his team's league output this season.

Lying second from bottom in the league, it is clear that Sinayoko deserves a move to a more achieving club, and as we count down towards transfer deadline day, it looks increasingly likely he will get his move out of France.

But who should he go to? United have plenty of forward options and are still showing patience with Sesko as they look to get the Slovenian firing, while Coventry boast Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms amongst their ranks - at both clubs, Sinayoko’s game time will likely be limited.

🚨 Manchester United are engaged in advanced talks over a surprise move for Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko, whose contract expires at the end of the season. 🇲🇱🇫🇷

The 26-year-old previously found the net against fellow INEOS-owned club Nice earlier this year and he's scored… pic.twitter.com/MPaofNj47D

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 28, 2025

That leaves Wolves and Middlesbrough - rock bottom Wolves are looking to offload Jorgen Strand-Larsen while he maintains his Premier League value, while Boro desperately need backup for top scorer Tommy Conway in the event that he gets injured.

If Sinayoko is given the pick of both clubs, the only sensible choice would be Boro - Wolves are bound to be relegated this season, and more likely than not, relegation would mean Sinayoko becomes a hot target once again in summer, meaning yet another relocation.

At Boro, there is the strong promise of promotion and a long-term stay, depending on how they do should they reach the top flight - valued at £2.2 million, Sinayoko is a more than affordable option, and with his depth of top-flight experience, he could be the last piece of the puzzle they need to return to the Premier League.