Coventry City & Middlesbrough dealt short-term transfer blow | OneFootball

Coventry City and Middlesbrough have both been linked with the Mali international

Coventry City and Middlesbrough transfer target Lassine Sinayoko has opened up on his future with Auxerre.

The forward has been linked to the two Championship sides this January, alongside Premier League team Wolves, although it’s been reported that he’s a longer-term target for the Teesside outfit.

The Mali international has emerged as a transfer target following his impressive goal scoring performances in Ligue 1 in the last couple of seasons.

The 26-year-old has contributed six goals and two assists this term for Auxerre, who are battling for their survival in the top flight.

Sinayoko also boosted his profile by scoring three times at the Africa Cup of Nations in recent weeks, helping Mali reach the quarter-final stages before losing to eventual champions Senegal.

Lassine Sinayoko opens up on Auxerre future

Sinayoko has explained why he has extended his contract with Auxerre amid interest from the Championship, claiming he didn’t want to leave the club like a thief.

However, he has opened the door for a transfer away from the French side in the future, suggesting that he’d want to exit on good terms, rather than possibly sour the relationship he has with the team.

“First of all, the fact that we are in this position [17th in Ligue 1],” said Sinayoko, via L’yonne Republicaine.

“I didn't want to leave like a thief, I wanted to give back to Auxerre everything it has given me, and I knew that by extending my contract, I could both help the club and help myself because it's a security.

“I wouldn't say it's impossible [to leave on a free], but it's not what I want, especially with our position in the table and the club not doing well.

“In this context, it was too complicated for me to leave like that.”

Sinayoko has come through the ranks of the Auxerre academy system, and has cemented himself as a key part of their first team squad.

He contributed eight goals and four assists in 2023/24, playing a crucial role in the club’s promotion from Ligue 2. And the forward has made a total of 85 appearances in the French top flight, and his new contract now runs until June 2027.

It remains to be seen whether Coventry can secure a deal for the player, but it’s believed that Middlesbrough view the forward as a long-term target at this stage.

Both Kim Hellberg and Frank Lampard's sides are competing for automatic promotion to the Premier League this season, and they currently sit first and second in the table, respectively.

Lassine Sinayoko transfer may have to wait until the summer

Given Auxerre’s position in Ligue 1, Sinayoko clearly wants to stay for now and help them remain in the top flight.

That is admirable, but it does mean that Coventry and Middlesbrough will likely have to wait until the summer before making any realistic approaches for the player.

Being able to offer Premier League football by then could make either team a more attractive proposition for Sinayoko, who has performed well in France in recent seasons.