Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank wants a Premier League star that the north London outfit decided against signing in the summer transfer window when Daniel Levy was the chairman, according to a report, but his club’s stance suggests that Spurs will struggle to get a deal done in January.
Following their success in the Europa League last season, Tottenham were very active in the summer transfer window, as the Premier League club get ready for a Champions League adventure. Under new manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham will also aim to end up in the Premier League top four in the 2025/26 campaign.
Tottenham strengthened their squad with the acquisitions of Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani.
While Luka Vuskovic went out on loan to Hamburg, Tottenham made the loan deals of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent.
According to TBR, Tottenham were also interested in signing Dennis Cirkin from Sunderland in the summer transfer window.
Tottenham sold Cirkin to Sunderland in 2021 and were keen on bringing him back in the summer.
However, a move never materialised, but with Daniel Levy now having left as the Tottenham chairman, Spurs manager Frank is keen on a deal for the 23-year-old left-back, who missed all of pre-season because of injury and is out of contract at Sunderland at the end of the season.
TBR has reported that Tottenham are ‘considering’ making a bid for Cirkin in the January transfer window, with the left-back said to be ‘frustrated’ at his situation at the Stadium of Light.
Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku joined Sunderland in the summer transfer window, which means Cirkin will have a fight on his hands to regain his place in the starting line-up once he is fully fit and ready to feature.
Not only do Tottenham view Cirkin as a valuable cover option at full-back, but he would also count as a homegrown player for the Premier League club, having come through their youth academy – an important factor for Spurs if they progress from the League Phase of the Champions League.
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Sunderland stance on Dennis Cirkin future
While Tottenham will feel emboldened in their quest to re-sign Cirkin from Sunderland because of his contract situation, last season’s Europa League winners will be disappointed to learn that the Black Cats have no intention of cashing in on him in the January transfer window.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has gone public with the promoted Premier League club’s stance that talks are going on over a new deal for Cirkin.
Like the former Tottenham defender, 23-year-old midfielder Dan Neil is also out of contract at Sunderland at the end of the season.
Speakman told The Northern Echo on September 3: “No, I wouldn’t say it’s a concern. We’ve had similar situations in the past.
“It’s never really been a concern for us because we’re on top of the conversation. So there’s no ambiguity on where it’s at.
“It’s just so difficult over the transfer window to do everything, and we’ve got some outstanding topics to discuss and to resolve, and they’re two of them.
“So we’ll do as we’ve always done. We’ll continue to have those conversations and get to a consensus and a decision on it.”
When asked whether he’s optimistic extensions can be agreed for both players, Speakman responded: “I’m always optimistic!”
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