French Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens have ended their pursuit of Mali international Lassine Sinayoko in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old came close to joining Lens from fellow French Ligue 1 outfit AJ Auxerre following an agreement between both parties.
Lens had reached an €8m transfer fee agreement with Auxerre for the transfer of the forward, with personal terms not being an issue.
Sinayoko was expected to sign a four-year contract to switch from Auxerre to Lens this summer.
However, Auxerre refused to grant permission for the forward to leave, after reportedly gaining cold feet.
Auxerre do not want to lose the striker, who scored five goals for the club last season, and contributed significantly in their Ligue 1 survival.
With Auxerre dragging their feet for the transfer of the forward, Lens are said to have pulled out of the race to sign him.
Auxerre are willing to forgo the €8m fee and keep the forward for the remaining year of his contract. The hesitation from Auxerre to complete the deal has finally led to Lens abandoning their pursuit. Sinayoko, for his part, reportedly has not tried to keep the transfer alive.
