Burnley eyeing up free transfer swoop for ex-Sunderland defender | OneFootball

Burnley have set their sights on former Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin but face competition from German outfit Schalke

Burnley's summer is yet to get fully underway, having only recently announced a new permanent successor to Scott Parker, but the Clarets could be about to make their first move upon their return to the Championship.

A third relegation in five years sees Burnley return to the Championship once again, where they will be hoping for a similar result to the last few times they were in the division.

Sean Dyche guided them to 93 points and the title in 2016, Vincent Kompany to 101 points and the title in 2023, and Scott Parker to 100 points in 2025; now, it's Belgian boss Nicky Hayen's turn to follow in those footsteps.

The former Genk boss has penned a three-year deal in Lancashire, and upon his arrival at Turf Moor, faces a huge task of rebuilding and making decisions on a bloated Burnley squad.

Jaidon Anthony has joined Brentford for a potential £20 million, and has been followed out the door by Martin Dubravka, Quilindschy Hartman, and, most recently, Loum Tchaouna, who joins Coventry City for around £20 million, too.

More exits are expected over the coming weeks and months, though Hayen will be keen to make some additions as well, as a former Sunderland defender has entered their radar.

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Heading into next season, Lucas Pires is the only recognised left-back in the Burnley squad, something which Hayen must address.

Whilst Bashir Humphreys can deputise there if required, the former Chelsea defender is best in the heart of the back line, and with Maxime Esteve edging ever closer to a move to RB Leipzig, he will likely remain there next year.

With that in mind, the incoming Belgian head coach has already seemingly set his sights on reinforcements in that area, as according to Alan Nixon's Patreon, the Clarets are interested in a move for former Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin.

Cirkin, 24, came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur before joining Sunderland permanently in the summer of 2023, and played a crucial role in their rise from League One to the Premier League.

However, the Latvian saw his game time drastically limited following the Black Cats' promotion to the top flight, and with the addition of Reinildo in the summer window, Cirkin managed just 320 league minutes across eight league appearances last season.

Now, he has been released following the end of his contract on Wearside, and is on the lookout for a new club, with Burnley plotting a move.

However, the Clarets are not alone in the hunt for Cirkin, as, according to Nixon, newly-promoted German Bundesliga side Schalke, managed by former Plymouth Argyle head coach Miron Muslic, are also interested in a deal.

Cirkin has made just eight top-flight appearances in his career to date, though a move to the Bundesliga at this stage in his career could suit him.

However, a return to the Championship, where he has already proven himself to be a classy operator, could also be on the cards.

Burnley won't exactly be short on funds with the sales of Tchaouna and Anthony, as well as parachute payments and others expected to leave, but even they cannot turn their noses up at a bargain when one arrives.

Cirkin has the potential to instantly become Burnley's new starting left-back, and could be an excellent pickup as Hayen's first addition in Lancashire. Though, with Schalke interested, likely as well as other clubs, capturing his services won't be straightforward, as the Clarets may have to make a formal move sooner rather than later to get this one over the line.

Nicky Hayen has a tough job following in his predecessor's footsteps at Burnley, but can help his cause with the addition of Dennis Cirkin

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As previously stated, Hayen has a tough task of following in the footsteps of some of his Burnley predecessors.

The Belgian, who has managed in the United Kingdom before with Welsh side Haverfordwest County, has been handpicked as the right candidate to guide the Clarets back to the Premier League and cultivate a strong summer window.

Cirkin's addition would be a more than ideal one to kick things off at Turf Moor, as Hayen gets to work on preparing a shortlist for the Clarets to go and pursue, with the former Sunderland star at the very top.