Middlesbrough urged to consider Sunderland transfer - it ‘would not be bad business’ | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are likely to be in the market for a left back this summer, with Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin set to be available on a free transfer.

It seems apparent that whether Middlesbrough win promotion or not this season, a huge summer awaits at the Riverside Stadium.

Kim Hellberg has done a fine job since he was named as Rob Edwards’ successor, but, despite Boro’s stylish football under the Swede, they haven’t picked up consistent results in the past few months.

A key reason for that has been poor finishing, and Boro have also conceded cheap goals, so Hellberg will look to rectify that in the summer window, where he can really put his mark on the squad.

Dennis Cirkin could solve Middlesbrough’s left back problem going forward

Furthermore, another potential issue facing Boro is at left-back, as Matt Targett is only on loan at Newcastle, where his contract expires in the summer.

Naturally, Boro will want to keep the experienced defender, but it has been reported that there is Premier League interest in Targett, so if Boro don’t go up, it may be difficult to compete with top flight clubs.

As well as Targett, Hellberg has Finley Munroe and Alex Bangura in his squad, but it’s fair to say the jury is out on the pair.

Munro has huge potential, but he is a young player, and Bangura hasn’t always convinced during his time with the club, so it would be no surprise if they both started next season elsewhere.

Therefore, Middlesbrough may need to address that position, and Dennis Cirkin could come into their thoughts, with the left-back expected to leave Sunderland on a free transfer in the summer.

With Cirkin having won promotion from the Championship with the Black Cats, combined with the fact he is only 24, the ex-Spurs youngster could be the ideal long-term option for Boro.

When asked by FLW about the possibility of signing Cirkin, Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day admitted it’s one that could work, as he urged the club to consider the player ahead of their summer rebuild, as he stated he could see a world where Cirkin joins along with Targett.

“It will definitely depend on how much he’ll cost. He’s probably on a Premier League wage right now, but he obviously wants game time, and I think there’s a player there.

“If you do want to get to the Premier League, I think you need to be looking at players who have either got promoted or have played at that level, so Cirkin does tick those boxes.

“I feel we do need two left-backs going into next season, as Finley Munroe is likely to go on loan, and you can’t rely on Alex Bangura as he is injury prone, and when he does play he has a moment of madness in him.

“So, if we can get both Targett and Cirkin it would not be bad business. He’d be a good option, he has experience of a promotion, and that’s what we need. He could be an option for Boro, but there might be better out there. It depends on how we play next season as well, because I can’t see it being the same as now.”

Dennis Cirkin would be a smart signing for any Championship club

Cirkin’s situation is sure to have put a lot of Championship clubs on alert, because he was a regular for Sunderland as they won promotion via the play-offs last season.

At 24, he is approaching his peak years, and he has an all-round game, as he is capable defensively, willing to get forward, and decent on the ball.

So, most would agree that Cirkin would be a good option for Boro, and they will need to sort the left-back department going into next season.

Munroe is at a stage in his career where he needs to play week in, week out, so a loan would be ideal, whilst Bangura could move on, and Targett will have plenty of offers on the table.

That means Middlesbrough will be in the market for a left-back, and if they don’t win promotion, picking up Cirkin on a free would be shrewd by the Teesside outfit.