Looking to take full advantage of his contract situation, Leeds United have now commenced “work” on their move to sign an “outstanding” defensive reinforcement for Daniel Farke this summer.
Leeds transfer news
The Whites have their sights set on Championship promotion but they, more than most, will be well aware just how quickly things can change in England’s second division. With 11 games left and five points between themselves at the top of the league and Burnley in third, those at Elland Road will be desperate to get over the line as soon as possible.
Once potentially over the line, they can turn their attention to the transfer window, where they may have to enjoy their most important summer yet under the 49ers if back in the Premier League.
Leeds have watched on as Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City have all paid the price for their recruitment decisions this season and will not want to make the same mistakes.
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With that in mind, the Whites have reportedly already got one target in mind. Transfer reporter Graeme Bailey told Sunderland AFC News that Leeds have commenced “work” on signing Dennis Cirkin from Sunderland this summer.
Bailey said: “Keep a close eye on Cirkin. I am told a lot of Premier League clubs have been doing work on him. Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton and Leeds – he is an outstanding prospect.”
The left-back has just over a year left on his current Black Cats deal and whilst Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has revealed that talks over a new contract are underway, the parties are yet to reach a resolution.
"Outstanding" Cirkin could replace Firpo
By signing Cirkin, Leeds could solve an issue of their own. As things stand, the Yorkshire club are set to lose key defender Junior Firpo on a free deal at the end of the season once his current contract expires. An experienced left-back and Farke’s outright starter, failing to replace Firpo would be a frustrating way to begin any potential Premier League return.
Cirkin, however, is more than capable of easing that blow and stepping up to the Premier League whilst doing so.
Starts
27
21
Assists
2
8
Tackles Won
46
23
Ball Recoveries
92
73
Although a more defensive option compared to Firpo, whose output speaks for itself, that may not be a bad thing if Leeds find themselves in the Premier League next season.
As Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich have found out the hard way this season, promoted teams simply cannot walk into the Premier League and instantly step onto the front foot – they need to be far more robust than that. Cirkin, as highlighted by the number of times he has won possession back for Sunderland this season, would have no trouble adapting to that style.