Lincoln City in 'advanced talks' to beat Sheffield Wednesday & Leyton Orient to transfer | OneFootball

Lincoln City look set to beat League One duo Sheffield Wednesday & Leyton Orient to the transfer capture of a Charlton Athletic forward Tanto Olaofe.

Tanto Olaofe of Charlton Athletic is a target for League One sides Sheffield Wednesday and Leyton Orient, as well as Championship newcomers Lincoln City, who look set to win the race for his signature having entered 'advanced talks' for the transfer.

In the first half of the 2025/26 Championship season, Tanto Oloafe scored once in 25 games for Charlton Athletic. Prior to that, he had spent plenty of time with Dave Challinor at Stockport County, scoring 38 goals in 143 appearances in League One and League Two.

The 26-year-old linked up with Nathan Jones in the hope of making the step-up to the second tier, but he ended last season back in the third tier. Challinor re-signed Olaofe on loan and he notched just once in 22 games after his return to Stockport.

Lincoln City make move to beat Sheffield Wednesday to Tanto Olaofe

A hard-working and athletic number nine, Olaofe's stock is still high. League One duo Sheffield Wednesday and Leyton Orient have been credited with interest in Olaofe yesterday.

Sheffield Wednesday are rebuilding after relegation from the Championship, having bolstered their forward line with Harry Gray, Louie Barry, and Mason Burstow so far this summer. Leyton Orient, meanwhile, have sold Dom Ballard to Plymouth Argyle.

A replacement is required, but it appears both clubs will miss out on the forward. That's because Lincoln City are set to seal a move for the Charlton striker. In spite of the duo both expecting to fight it out at the bottom end of the Championship this term.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke claims that Lincoln are in advanced talks with Charlton to sign Olaofe. They allowed Jack Moylan to join Cardiff City this week and are looking for reinforcements in their attack before the transfer deadline in less than a month.

Charlton striker Tanto Olaofe's career stats so far

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The Lewisham-born striker had played for Millwall in his youth and early career. He began his senior career there before gaining valuable experience on loan with Sutton United and a brief spell at St. Johnstone.

His return to Sutton proved to be pivotal, as he helped the club win promotion from the National League while establishing himself as a prolific striker for the level. A permanent move to Stockport County followed in 2023, where he played a key role in their League Two title-winning campaign.

In all competitions, he scored 21 goals that term. Olaofe then bagged 13 the year after in their League One campaign. However, after joining Charlton last summer, it appears he could be on the move yet again, with Lincoln adding firepower and running power to their ranks.

Why Lincoln City are making a move to sign Tanto Olaofe

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Lincoln's promotion to the Championship was built on intensity and an incredible collective work ethic, making Olaofe a natural stylistic fit. His relentless pressing, willingness to chase lost causes, and ability to stretch in behind align perfectly with the traits that underpinned the Imps' success. That perhaps suits them more than Sheffield Wednesday or Leyton Orient.

Rather than being relied upon solely as a traditional number nine, Olaofe could thrive operating alongside a focal point such as Rob Street in a similar role to Ben House. His pace and intelligent movement would allow him to buzz around the main striker, exploit space created by their physical presence and link attacking moves together.

That versatility would give Lincoln another energetic dimension in the final third as they adapt to Championship football. That said, his record at second tier level so far with Charlton has to be a concern. Lincoln need more goals and that is not something Olaofe looks likely to bring an abundance of, even in a team unit that suits him.