Tottenham eyeing January move for 23-year-old English star; keen to fill UCL quota

Spurs keeping close tabs on Sunderland defender

Spurs were interested in signing Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin during the summer transfer window. The north London club had contacted Sunderland over the signing of the 23-year-old in a bid to fulfill their homegrown quota in the Champions League.

The left-back played a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League in May, registering three goals and two assists in 39 appearances and playing every minute of their thrilling playoff campaign. Dennis Cirkin missed the entirety of pre-season after undergoing wrist surgery and hasn’t yet been able to showcase his talent during Sunderland’s return to the Premier League.

The Dublin-born talent is nearing return from a wrist injury, but competition for places at left-back in Regis Le Bris’ side has intensified following the summer arrivals of Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku.

Now, according to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Spurs are considering a January move for Cirkin. The left-back is out of contract at the end of the season, so he will be available for a cut-price deal during the winter window. There is a real chance Tottenham make a move for the former England youth international then, given their lack of cover at left-back.

Cirkin would be a smart signing for Spurs

Destiny Udogie is the only natural left-back in Thomas Frank’s squad, with the veteran Ben Davies now considered more as a cover for the centre-backs. The Italy international has had struggles with injuries since joining Spurs in 2023, and he missed the pre-season and the start of this campaign with a thigh problem. Djed Spence has deputised in Udogie’s absence at left-back and done a good job, but the lack of cover remains intact.

Cirkin, in that regard, could be a smart option for Tottenham. A product of the famed Spurs academy, the 23-year-old may have an interest in returning to north London and serving the club. The enterprising left-back will be a good cover for the injury-prone Udogie, whilst allowing Spence to compete with Porro for the right-back spot.

That said, it will be interesting to see whether we actually make a move for the Sunderland star in the winter window. If he arrives and Spurs advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League, he’d become an option in Frank’s squad.