Leeds United keeping tabs on Sunderland AFC defender ahead of January transfer window | OneFootball

After some excellent performances for Sunderland this season, Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Dennis Cirkin

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing left-back Dennis Cirkin from promotion rivals Sunderland.

The England youth international has been in fine form this season for the Black Cats, being an ever-present in Regis Le Bris' starting line-up and becoming recognised as one of the league's most proficient attacking full-backs.

With a title race developing between Sunderland and Leeds, in which the two teams currently sit two points apart, it would appear unlikely that a move for Cirkin would materialise in January.

However, should Leeds be promoted this season and Sunderland were to stay down, then the picture could change entirely.

Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin on Leeds United transfer radar

As reported by the Sunday Mirror (November 10, page 69), via Sports View, the Whites are interested in securing somewhat of an ambitious move for Cirkin.

Having moved to Sunderland from Tottenham in 2021, the left-back has now made 85 league appearances for the Black Cats, and has nailed down a starting spot under new manager Le Bris.

And with the Black Cats top of the table, with Cirkin having contributed two goals and an assist from defence, no one can argue with the signification of his contribution so far.

However, as a defender, goals and assists do not tell the full story, as Cirkin's chance creation and ability to read the game have been his most potent attributes.

The fact that a full-back is able to complete successful dribbles and create chances but also consistently break up play demonstrates Cirkin's all-round capabilities and shows the completeness of his game.

When also considering that Leeds' first-choice left-back, Junior Firpo, makes less interceptions and completes less dribbles and tackles per 90 minutes, this really cements the reason for the Whites' interest in Cirkin as perhaps a long-term replacement.

Leeds United will find it very difficult to sign Dennis Cirkin in January

Having started all 15 of their matches this season, Cirkin is one of the most important cogs in Sunderland's system.

The Black Cats are currently enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run, which was extended by their 2-2 draw with Coventry in which Cirkin scored a Goal of the Season contender.

Picking up the ball in his own half, Cirkin drove past a couple of players before lashing home an effort into the top corner past goalkeeper Brad Collins - another moment of pure quality that will have Leeds fans licking their lips at the prospect of signing the Englishman.

However, it would be unimaginable for Le Bris to allow one of his key players to depart for a promotion rival in the January transfer window.

Similarly, Le Bris will be keen to keep wonderkid Chris Rigg and creative midfielder Jobe Bellingham for the remainder of the campaign to establish the club's promotion hopes and cement a top spot.

Sunderland are currently blessed with a great deal of young talent, with Cirkin himself only being 22 years old, but this means lots of top clubs will be sniffing around and attempting to sign them.

With Sunderland currently ahead of second-place Sheffield United on goal difference, Le Bris will be hoping to maintain the side's unbeaten run, as promotion to the Premier League should ease worries around retaining Sunderland's most sparkling talent.