‘Sunderland identify Cirkin replacement already’ as former Man City ace eyed
Dennis Cirkin has become the latest of Sunderland’s young stars to attract the attention of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Jobe Bellingham has recently moved to Borussia Dortmund, while the likes of Chris Rigg and Eliezer Mayenda have also been subject to plenty of interest from elsewhere.
Now it is Cirkin who is at the centre of transfer speculation, with his former club Tottenham understood to have considered him as a potential option this summer.
Regis Le Bris’ side achieved promotion with the Championship’s youngest squad last term, and although their promotion has opened up plenty more opportunities for them in the transfer market, their ability to keep hold of their brightest stars will still be crucial to their survival hopes.
Sunderland interested in Angelino amid £20m Cirkin exit fears
Spurs’ interest in Cirkin will have the alarm bells ringing on Wearside. Tottenham are understood to be preparing a formal offer to bring the defender back to North London, in what would be a crushing blow to the Mackems.
The 23-year-old was excellent on the left side of Le Bris’ defence last term, and has outlined himself as a reliable performer both defensively and going forward.
It would be a big loss if he were to depart the North East, but with Sunderland potentially in line to net a £20million fee for Cirkin, it would at least provide a substantial amount of money to be reinvested.
However, that would leave Le Bris and Co. with the unenviable task of having to find a capable replacement for their outgoing star.
The Mackems now look to have lined up a potential alternative, as they prepare to receive a bid from Daniel Levy and Spurs.
The newly-promoted side are understood to be interested in Roma full-back Angelino, according to Sport Italia’s Gianluigi Longer (24 June).
The Spanish left-back enjoyed an impressive season in the Italian capital, and already has prior experience of the Premier League, having previously come through the ranks at Manchester City.
Angelino would be an excellent addition for Sunderland
Nobody connected to Sunderland will want to see Cirkin leave the Stadium of Light.
However, if Tottenham ultimately get their man, then it’s fair to say that Angelino would be a very exciting replacement.
The 28-year-old never really got a prolonged run in the side during his time in Manchester, but he has since cemented himself as a top-level full-back who boasts experience in several of Europe’s top leagues.
| League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Bundesliga | 88 | 6 | 17 |
| Eredivisie | 68 | 4 | 15 |
| Serie A | 54 | 2 | 2 |
| Super Lig | 8 | – | 1 |
| Premier League | 6 | – | – |
He notched four goals and five assists in all competitions for Roma last season, and possesses the kind of creativity from the left flank that could see him become the ideal replacement for Cirkin.
When you then consider the fact that he will likely have a point to prove in the Premier League, having failed to establish himself at City, Angelino could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for the Black Cats.
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