One Sunderland star has drummed up interest from fellow Championship side Leeds United.
Despite a recent blip, which has seen Sunderland go three Championship games without notching a single win, including the most recent 2-2 draw against Coventry City, the Black Cats still remain at the top of the table.
It is clear that, although the last three games haven’t gone their way, they are firmly in a promotion battle this season, and as a result they will want to make sure that their key players are held onto.
Sunderland have got plenty of diamonds within the side, and it becomes abruptly clear when they aren’t available that Regis Le Bris’ side actually struggles as a result, for example the recent loss of Jobe Bellingham due to suspension.
This will stick out in Le Bris’ mind, and will certainly be a reason for him hoping that Kristjaan Speakman doesn’t entertain a deal with fellow Championship outfit Leeds United for one defender, whose absence could spark serious issues for the Frenchman.
- READ MORE: What happened in the Sunderland dressing room at full-time after Coventry City’s two-goal comeback
Sunderland star Dennis Cirkin sparks transfer interest from Championship side Leeds United
Black Cats defender Dennis Cirkin has been a top performer for Sunderland so far in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and there is no surprise to see him drumming up interest after running out as the best player statistically in the second-tier so far this season.
However, it is arguably a surprise to see the clientele that are looking to attain the services of the Sunderland full-back, as fellow Championship side Leeds United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Cirkin, per the Sunday Mirror (p69).
Sunderland find themselves only two points ahead of Leeds United in the 2024/25 Championship table, and it could be argued that selling to a rival could significantly hinder the Black Cats’ promotion chances.
- READ MORE: Jobe Bellingham and Alan Browne love what one Sunderland teammate did in Coventry City draw
Leeds United interest in Dennis Cirkin could spark serious issue for Sunderland
Clear issues would undoubtedly spark for Sunderland if they sold to a Championship rival, however there would also be concerns in regards to squad depth if Cirkin was moved on in January.
Whilst it would be likely that Sunderland would recruit in order to fill the void vacant at left-back, the only option at this moment that can slot in is Leo Fuhr Hjelde, someone who has only notched three minutes of action so far this season in the Championship.
It can’t be underestimated just how crucial to the side Cirkin is, and the stats certainly prove that he has been a ‘game-changer’, as well as the fact that he notched a beautiful goal against Coventry City. If Sunderland were to move him on, the problems that would arise would become very apparent for Le Bris, and he must recognise the drastic issues that would be created if he was to move to Leeds United.