Sunderland braced for Leeds United transfer interest as defender admits 'emotions are high'

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing one of Sunderland’s star performers this season in the January transfer window. Dennis Cirkin is having a great season with the Black Cats in defence and venturing forward, and he produced an outstanding strike at the Stadium of Light in the 2-2 draw with Coventry City.

The defender blasted home from distance to put Sunderland 2-0 ahead but, in the second half, the wheels came off as Coventry fought their way back into the game to earn a 2-2 outcome. It meant Cirkin, who according to reports is being targeted by the Black Cats’ Championship rivals, had mixed emotions after the match.

On his goal, Cirkin explained: “I only had one thought in my mind, especially with the crowd. I just want to say the fans have been excellent in supporting us and driving us. I saw the space after Romaine [Mundle] made the perfect set-off. I’m happy with the goal.

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Wilson Isidor also bagged his fifth of the season but the Lads couldn’t hold onto all three points after second-half goals from Haji Wright and Jack Rudoni.

Reflecting on the game, 22-year-old Cirkin added: “I think we’re disappointed to come away with a draw. I think the first half was excellent and we had control. Then in the second half, we probably lost that and a bit of focus.”

The result ensures that Régis Le Bris’ side maintain an eight-match unbeaten run and will go into the November international break in an automatic promotion position at the top of the division but now only by goal difference from Sheffield United, who beat fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Steel City derby on Sunday – the first meeting between the two clubs in six years.

Cirkin continued: “Emotions are high but we are still in a good position. We’re still unbeaten in eight games and the togetherness is still really good. I’m sure we can build off this, learn off this and we’ve got the break to come so we have a lot to work on. The international break is good for us. We can sit down and review the last few games and have a look and smooth out the rough. Then we go again.”

The former Tottenham man arrived at Sunderland at the beginning of the 2021/22 season as the Black Cats gained promotion to the Championship under Alex Neil. The left-back played 34 times for the Wearsiders that campaign. Subsequently Cirkin experienced injury troubles and was limited to 28 league appearances the following season and just eight during the 2023/24 campaign. However, new head coach Régis Le Bris has been boosted by the return to fitness of Cirkin with the defender playing in every league game so far during 2024/25 while being a vital cog in the team with his energy, dynamism and goals.

Leeds United’s interest will not come as a surprise and there are bound to be others too keen in signing the left-back in January but it is unlikely Sunderland would entertain letting him go and will be more inclined to offering him a new deal given his superb displays this season.