Dennis Cirkin could stall on new Sunderland contract as Tottenham continue to show interest

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TBR Football understands Sunderland will explore the possibility of selling Dennis Cirkin in the winter transfer window.

The 23-year-old is in the final 12 months of his deal at the Stadium of Light, and as things stand, there are currently no talks regarding extending his contract.

As previously revealed, Cirkin is on Tottenham’s radar ahead of a potential return to North London, with Thomas Frank eager to bolster his Champions League squad with another homegrown talent.

Cirkin played a pivotal role in helping Regis Le Bris’ side gain Premier League promotion via the playoffs last season, but has since found himself at the back of the pecking order on Wearside.

The Black Cats are preparing to offload several fringe players in January to fund further recruits following Le Bris’ incredible start to the season on his maiden campaign in the top flight.

Sources: Sunderland will look to offload Dennis Cirkin

Sources have informed TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Cirkin is increasingly unlikely to extend his contract at the Stadium of Light, and Sunderland are expected to cash in on the defender in January.

Bailey states: “On the chopping block, definitely. He’s seen two left-backs come in ahead of him this summer — Masuaku and Reinildo. As we’ve written previously, Cirkin is on Tottenham’s radar. He would fill a homegrown player slot, and Spurs like him regardless — he’s had real progression.

“Sunderland have also seen a few of their homegrown talents — the players who helped them get promoted — sidelined slightly. Cirkin is one of them; Dan Neil is another.

“Given the situation, I’d be surprised if Cirkin committed to a new deal, especially knowing he’s got interest elsewhere. He was arguably the best left-back in the Championship last season, but now he’s not getting regular games, and he’s had the odd injury.

“I don’t see a new contract in the offing for him right now. I could see a January deal, though, just to make sure Sunderland get some money for him.”

Jose Mourinho dubbed Cirkin ‘quality’ in 2019 when the defender plied his trade at the academy in North London, and he proved his former boss correct after his pivotal performances in the Championship last term.

However, Sunderland spent approximately £163 million this summer on 14 new signings that have shaped a new-look side that currently sit seventh in the Premier League table.

The Black Cats have been told Granit Xhaka will be key to avoiding relegation this season, whereas Nordi Mukiele has also impressed tremendously since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

Reinildo’s reckless sending off against Aston Villa should provide Cirkin with a small window of opportunity to stake his claim for a starting berth at the Stadium of Light; however, summer signing Arthur Masuaku is likely to deputise for the Mozambique international.

Regis Le Bris sends a clear message to Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil

With Jobe Bellingham leaving Wearside in a £27 million move to Borussia Dortmund this summer, the funds recouped from the sale have allowed Sunderland to invest heavily in the squad.

Cirkin featured 39 times in the second tier last season, alongside Dan Neil, who played 47 league matches; the pair played influential roles in the promotion bid.

This year, on the other hand, the duo have combined for one appearance in the league with Cirkin yet to make his top-flight debut for Le Bris.

Although several first-team regulars who featured consistently for the Black Cats last season have retained their place in the starting line-up this year, Le Bris has sent a clear message about which of the current crop he doesn’t feel he can rely on in the Premier League.