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'There'll be uproar' Leeds United transfer move criticised as promotion reality reinforced

Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin applauds the travelling fans at full-time at West Brom
-Credit: (Image: Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock)


Leeds United have been linked with a move for Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin, with growing reports suggesting the Whites see the 22-year-old as a long-term option at full-back. Junior Firpo could be heading away from Elland Road this summer, with Dublin-born England under-20 international Cirkin identified as an ideal replacement for the ex-Barcelona man.

Cirkin has been an ever-present for Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris so far this season, with two goals and an assist also to his name in what has been a hugely impressive run of form for him and his club, taking them top of the Championship standings.

The Whites are unlikely to find much joy if they make a play in the January window, with Sunderland determined to keep hold of the player as they make their own bid for promotion to the Premier League. The Black Cats are not looking to cash in on Cirkin, and if they do indeed have a change of heart, they've been warned to expect an uproar from their supporters.

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Speaking to Football League World, Sky Sports EFL pundit Don Goodman says Sunderland supporters would be in uproar if Cirkin went to a Championship rival, with the deal unlikely.

He said; "I would love to think that there is no way in the slightest Sunderland would allow Dennis Cirkin to leave in their current situation, especially to Leeds. He’s one of the best left-backs in the Championship and scored a great goal against Coventry at the weekend.

"He would be a brilliant addition for Leeds but I’m not sure I can see it happening. After selling Jack Clarke in the summer, it would cause uproar amongst Sunderland fans if they sold another one of their young stars. I can see why Leeds would be interested but, if I was Sunderland, I’d be having none of it."