Middlesbrough's stance on Lassine Sinayoko transfer could hand Coventry City and Wolves advantage | OneFootball

Middlesbrough appear to be setting their sights elsewhere for now

Middlesbrough are reportedly not looking to sign Ligue 1 striker Lassine Sinayoko in the January transfer window — which could hand rivals a huge boost for his services.

Boro are on the hunt for a striker this winter, with winger Morgan Whittaker currently shouldering much of the goalscoring burden and some of their attackers seemingly seeing their future elsewhere.

One such forward is Delano Burgzorg, who has split his time between the left wing and up front so far this term, but is nearing a loan agreement to join fellow Championship side Bristol City this month.

Sinayoko was thought to be a target for Boro at the top end of the pitch, but that no longer appears to be the case.

Middlesbrough not looking to sign Lassine Sinayoko in this window

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Middlesbrough were one of the English sides considering a move for Auxerre striker Sinayoko.

The 26-year-old is having a strong season for the French side, having netted six goals and two assists in 18 Ligue 1 games so far this season, including goals against Rennes and Lille, both battling for a top-six spot.

Much as the potentially outgoing Burgzorg has, Sinayoko has played both as a striker and on either wing, showing an adaptability that is often well received by managers.

But the latest update, from The Northern Echo, states that Sinayoko is a player that Boro have watched, but is not a target for the club in this January window.

It goes on to claim that he remains a longer-term target at the Riverside Stadium, but is not under immediate consideration for the promotion contenders.

That may be music to the ears of two clubs in the Midlands.

Both Coventry City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to O’Rourke, are also interested in the Mali international’s services.

Should the Sky Blues step up their interest, it could be a painful one to watch for Boro, as Frank Lampard’s side are their main challengers for the Championship title this season.

If they take the risk on Sinayoko, and it comes off, there will be plenty of regret from a Middlesbrough point of view.

However, even though Sinayoko appears to have been shelved for now as a target, The Northern Echo have revealed that Boro are still actively looking for a striker this month.

While Kim Hellberg’s side have had no problems scoring this season, Tommy Conway remains their top-scoring striker on six goals, with winger Whittaker leading the race on 11.

Although Boro have already landed the likes of Jeremy Sarmiento on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion to bolster their attacking ranks, and to cover the potential departure of Burgzorg, he is lacking in experience when it comes to leading the line.

That’s likely why Middlesbrough’s striker pursuit remains active, not to mention the fitness concerns over David Strelec.

It seems there is still plenty for the north-east side to do in this window but, based on The Northern Echo’s update, that won’t involve bringing Sinayoko into the club just yet.