Sunderland stance on Dennis Cirkin sale to Leeds United shared – ‘Very, very surprised’
Carlton Palmer has claimed that Sunderland will not sell Dennis Cirkin to Leeds United despite recent transfer links.
The Black Cats defender has been in excellent form this season, his incredible solo goal against Coventry was just a reminder of the ability that he possesses.
His performances have earned him transfer interest with Leeds United reportedly keen on bringing him to Elland Road (Sunday Mirror, 10 November, pg 69),
But Palmer, speaking to Football League World (12 November), cannot foresee a scenario where the Black Cats sell to a rival at the top end of the Championship table.
Palmer said: “He’s been a standout performer for Sunderland this season, which inevitably leads to transfer talk. The ex-Tottenham man arrived at Sunderland in the 2021/22 season and was part of the team that gained promotion under Alex Neil, he played 34 games that season.
“There’s one thing that’s not going to happen, they’re not going to sell him to Leeds United. That’s for sure.
“Sunderland are top of the league and Leeds are vying to get promotion, he won’t be sold and I would be very, very surprised if he doesn’t commit his future to Sunderland in the coming weeks and months.”
Leeds United unlikely to sign Dennis Cirkin
While Cirkin would be a remarkable signing, it is one that seems highly unlikely for various reasons.
First and foremost, Sunderland are just as much in the promotion race as Leeds are, and to sell their star players to a direct rival would be simply incomprehensible unless a ludicrous offer was put on the table.
Leeds would be unlikely to have the financial power to even test Sunderland into considering a deal that would significantly weaken their promotion hopes.
Secondly, any move for Cirkin would likely see him in the Premier League. His performances in the Championship have been remarkable and having found a home on Wearside, it would have to be a huge opportunity for him to consider leaving the club he joined in 2021.
With that said, if Leeds could conjure up a deal, it would be a huge signing for Daniel Farke’s side who have hopes for a Premier League return themselves.
In other Leeds United news, Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney has reflected on what was a “difficult” clash at Elland Road ahead of the November international break.
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