Man Utd in 'serious negotiations' over striker signing

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 29 Dec 2025 06:56 GMT
  • 4 min read
Ruben Amorim, Man Utd
© IMAGO

Manchester United are reportedly in “serious negotiations” to sign Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko on a free transfer next summer.

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The 26-year-old, who is currently participating at the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali, has scored six goals and provided two assists in 16 Ligue 1 matches so far this season and his form has attracted the attention of the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Current ETV
Player image Lassine Sinayoko
Lassine Sinayoko

F (C), M (R)

Auxerre logo

Auxerre

Lassine Sinayoko
Lassine Sinayoko

F (C), M (R)

Auxerre

Auxerre

€2.6M

ETV Range

€2.1M - €3.1M

That is according to a shock report from AfricaFoot, who claim that Man Utd officials are in talks with Sinayoko’s representatives over a Bosman deal when his current contract at Auxerre expires at the end of June.

It’s reported that Man Utd are hoping to finalise a pre-agreement with Sinayoko during the upcoming January transfer window, with the 13-time Premier League champions set to offer the Mali international an annual salary of €3 million.

Talks over a move to Old Trafford are progressing well and the Red Devils are eager to bring him to Manchester next year amid significant rumours that Joshua Zirkzee will leave the club to join Roma next month.

Lassine Sinayoko to join Man Utd?

News that Man Utd could be set to sign Sinayoko comes following reports the aforementioned Zirkzee will complete a permanent move to Roma in January.

The Netherlands international has struggled for game time so far this season and he has already accepted a proposal from Gian Piero Gasperini’s side as he looks to improve his chances of being selected for the 2026 World Cup.

Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped to leave Man Utd in January
© IMAGO - Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped to leave Man Utd in January

Evan Ferguson’s loan spell at Roma may be cancelled in order to free up space for Zirkzee to arrive and Man Utd have now earmarked Sinayoko as a possible replacement for the Dutchman.

The Red Devils bolstered their forward line with the additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko over the summer, however the latter was the only out-and-out striker to join the club and he has scored just two goals in 14 games since his arrival from RB Leipzig.

As a result, they remain eager to sign another centre forward and Sinayoko has emerged as their latest target.

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