(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Cirkin to 'seal instant wage upgrade' as Tottenham return wanted now - Exclusive

Ian Darke

There's not much Ian Darke hasn't seen in football. The former Sky Sports and BT Sport commentator has one of the most recognisable voices in the English game. Nowadays he commentates on matches for Fox, ABC and ESPN in the USA and we're delighted to get his expert reaction to all the latest news.

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Sunderland star Dennis Cirkin is attracting interest from Tottenham.

The 23-year-old was a key man for Regis Le Bris' side, making 39 appearances in the Championship, notching three goals and two assists from left-back

The Black Cats secured promotion to the Premier League via the playoff final, and Cirkin was a key part of that success.

However, keeping him on Wearside could prove to be a challenge too far for the Stadium of Light outfit, just like it did with Jobe Bellingham.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris
Le Bris has already lost one of his key men. (Credit: Imago)

Tottenham to make Cirkin move amid Sunderland suspicion

The North East side wants to tie their star man down to a new contract, but Tottenham are said to be interested in Cirkin, who came through their youth academy.

Iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that Cirkin would only be signed as a back-up by Spurs and urged the Black Cats to keep hold of him at all costs.

Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “I think he is handy, you look at Sunderland players who could step up and shine in the Premier League, playing in the top-flight for the first time, I think he is probably one. 

“Does he get in the team at Tottenham ahead of Udogie? You suspect he is just being brought in as cover.

“He will get a big hike in his wages, so the move would probably appeal to him. They have got Djed Spence as well, who can play on both sides. 

“I mean, from where I am sitting, Cirkin is the kind of player you want to keep on board; they want to keep their best players and then add to it, to make themselves competitive at the new level.”

Dennis Cirkin's stats for Sunderland last season.
Cirkin's league stats last season. (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland need to keep Cirkin

Kristjaan Speakman needs to work his magic to try and keep the Dublin-born star ahead of the return to the elite level.

The newly-promoted side is reportedly set to sign Atletico Madrid left-back Reinildo on a free transfer, who could challenge the former Spurs youth gem for his starting berth.

Having two quality options in every position is vital in the top-flight, so they must keep hold of Cirkin, no matter what, no matter how tempting the offer from the Lilywhites is, especially with the battle for survival set to be brutal.

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