Don Goodman predicts Sunderland uproar as Leeds United eye Dennis Cirkin transfer
Don Goodman doesn’t see a scenario in which Sunderland would sell Dennis Cirkin to Leeds United despite recent transfer links.
It emerged earlier in the week that Leeds are reportedly keen on bringing the 22-year-old full-back to Elland Road (Sunday Mirror, 10 November, pg 69) but the Black Cats are not said to be considering a sale to their rivals at the top of the Championship.
Cirkin has been a standout performer under Regis Le Bris this season, earning plaudits as one of the best players in the Championship.
Sky Sports pundit Goodman understands the Whites’ interest but believes it would cause “uproar” if the Black Cats sold him.
Speaking to Football League World (13 November), 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.”
Leeds United unlikely to prise Dennis Cirkin away from Sunderland
Inevitably, there will be plenty of interest in Cirkin and Leeds may well test the waters and attempt a deal. However, Sunderland are incredibly unlikely to sell their key players to anyone in January, let alone to a direct promotion rival.
Sunderland have transformed as a club in recent years and they certainly do not need to sell players in January, Cirkin being one of them. Since Kyril Louis-Dreyfus became the majority shareholder, their approach to sales has changed drastically and they will only do so for their own benefit.
Quite frankly, unless Leeds were to offer an astronomical figure for Cirkin, Sunderland certainly wouldn’t benefit from a sale.
The Black Cats also have a sell-on clause included in Cirkin’s contract from when they signed him from Spurs which would likely increase any price tag on the full back.
Leeds will have plenty of time and options to strengthen their squad in January and it may prove crucial to their promotion hopes.
In other Leeds United news, Don Goodman believes the club could effectively be throwing millions of pounds down the drain amid the latest regarding Jack Harrison at Everton.
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