There is no doubt that Leeds United hit the jackpot when they swooped to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer in the last summer transfer window.

His arrival on a free transfer after his contract at Everton expired was not met with widespread praise, though, as he had only scored three goals in 26 matches in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

There was some, understandable, concern that the English centre-forward would continue to struggle in front of goal in the same way that he did for the Toffees in his final season on Merseyside.

Instead, Calvert-Lewin racked up 15 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for Daniel Farke's side, including 14 goals in the Premier League to help the club to avoid an instant relegation to the Championship.

Leeds took a risk on the England international after his disappointing campaign with Everton, and they were rewarded handsomely for placing their faith in him.

Leeds United are in talks to sign Ligue 1 striker

Calvert-Lewin has only played 30 or more matches in two of the last five years, however, and the club may be reluctant to expect him to be consistently available again next term.

That may be why the West Yorkshire outfit are now in the race to sign a new number nine who could come in as an even better option for Farke upfront.

According to Foot Mercato, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Lassine Sinayoko from Auxerre in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites have made contact with the player's representatives and are in regular talks with them over a potential move to Elland Road for the centre-forward.

It adds that Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, along with unnamed teams from Germany and France, are also eyeing up a move for the 26-year-old marksman.

Foot Mercato adds that the Mali international is ready to leave Auxerre, with one year left on his current contract, but it remains to be seen how much the Ligue 1 side will demand for his services.

Why Lassine Sinayoko could be better than Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin's position as the starting number nine could come under threat if the Whites secure a deal to sign Sinayoko in the coming weeks, as he may be an even better striker option.

As good as the Leeds star was in the 2025/26 campaign, the England international's inconsistent finishing remains a cause for concern heading into next term.

He scored 14 goals from 15.81 xG and missed 20 'big chances' in the Premier League last season, and the worry will be that his goals could dry up if the team do not create as many high-quality opportunities, because he is not a reliable finisher.

Sinayoko's form for Auxerre, meanwhile, shows that he is an efficient finisher who is not as wasteful with the 'big chances' that come his way in front of goal.

Their respective numbers in the final third suggest that the Mali international could be even more effective than Calvert-Lewin at the top end of the pitch, by being more clinical and offering more creativity to help his teammates to score.

On top of potentially offering more to Leeds as an attacking force, Sinayoko can also bring the physical qualities that make Calvert-Lewin such an impressive focal point for Farke's side.

The Auxerre star won 5.2 duels per game with a ground duel success rate of 52% in Ligue 1, whilst Calvert-Lewin won 5.3 duels per match with a ground duel success rate of 38%.

Sinayoko, hailed as "dangerous" by scout Emir on X, appears to have the physical attributes to play the same tactical role that Calvert-Lewin currently does for Leeds, with his ability to compete in and win duels against opposition centre-backs.

Therefore, the former Everton striker should be concerned by this latest development, because the Auxerre forward's lethal nature in front of goal could end up making him Farke's first-choice number nine at Elland Road next season.