Dennis Cirkin to leave Sunderland? Millwall, Norwich or Stoke should consider swoops | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at three clubs that should sign Dennis Cirkin upon the expiration of his contract this summer

Dennis Cirkin had been a regular at Sunderland for the previous three seasons, playing a key role in the Black Cats' rise from League One to the Premier League, though he could be set for an exit this summer.

Irish left-back Cirkin joined Sunderland from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2021, and quickly became the Black Cats' first choice on the left side of defence under Lee Johnson.

He'd remain a regular fixture following their promotion to the Championship under each of Alex Neil, Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale, and, most recently, Regis Le Bris.

However, following their promotion to the Premier League, Cirkin has since found his game time increasingly difficult to come by, with each of Reinildo, Trai Hume, and, previously, Arthur Masuaku, prior to his departure in January, all ahead of him in the pecking order.

With just seven league appearances this campaign, injuries have not helped his case, but despite this, when fit, he is not the first choice anymore.

His contract is due to expire this summer, with a summer exit possible, as FLW takes a look at three current EFL clubs that should look to snap the 23-year-old up on a free at the end of the season.

Millwall

A player Millwall boss Alex Neil will know well, the Lions could very well be playing in the same division as Sunderland next season if everything goes to plan.

Millwall's current left-back options consist of 32-year-old Joe Bryan, 21-year-old Zak Sturge, and 26-year-old Alfie Doughty.

Doughty is the pick of the bunch at the present moment, having shone for Luton Town in previous years and returning to the club he grew up supporting this summer following the Hatters' relegation.

However, Doughty's game time has been limited as of late, with Sturge emerging as Neil's preferred option on the left side of defence at the moment.

If the Lions are indeed promoted, an upgrade in that area will be needed, despite Sturge's promising form, and Millwall could do a lot worse than Cirkin.

With both Anthony Patterson and Tom Watson already at the club on loan until the end of the season, as with Alex Neil in the dugout, there is a strong Sunderland connection currently at The Den, which could be made even stronger with the addition of Cirkin.

Norwich City

Since Philippe Clement took charge at Norwich City following the dismissal of Liam Manning, there have been few sides that have picked up as many points as the Canaries in the Championship.

The Belgian has done an incredible job in taking the club from looking like one of the favourites for relegation to an outside shot at the top six as the season comes to a close.

Though the play-offs may evade them this time around, the improvement under Clement cannot be understated, and is something that they will hope continues into the next campaign.

This will no doubt help them attract players in the summer window, with a left-back likely a key area for improvement.

Ben Chrisene has been the first-choice option there more often than not as of late, with Jeffrey Schlupp injured and 33-years-old, and Lucien Mahovo lacking experience and also out injured.

Harry Amass was signed on loan from Manchester United to offer competition, but the 19-year-old suffered an injury shortly after joining, keeping him out for the rest of the season.

Another left-back will likely be targeted during the summer, and with the Canaries unlikely to spend a shedload, Cirkin could prove to be an excellent option on a free transfer, whilst also being a huge upgrade on their current options.

Stoke City

Stoke City, at one point, looked primed to claim one of the top six places in the Championship this season, but a disastrous slip in form has seen the Potters slide down the table and with little chance of claiming one of the play-off places at this stage.

Injuries have ravaged Mark Robins' squad, with the likes of Lewis Baker, Junior Tchamadeu, Viktor Johansson, Divin Mubama, and Aaron Cresswell all spending prolonged periods out of action across the campaign.

Some teams deal with injury woes well, though this can't be applied to Stoke, whose dip in form can largely be attributed to their lack of fit and available options.

Heading into the summer, the Potters will likely be preparing for another busy window in preparation to try and finally break into the top six next season, with left-back likely an area of improvement.

Harry Amass was heavily linked in January prior to his move to Norwich, with Eric Bocat being continually linked with a return to Belgium over the month, too.

With Cresswell now 36 and having missed a large portion of the season, there are serious reservations over his long-term future at the club.

Another left-back option wouldn't go amiss, and Cirkin would be a savvy piece of business for Robins' side if they could convince him to move to the Potteries.

Backed by the wealthy Coates family, and with the new regulations set to come into place this summer, Stoke