Sports Mole

Sunderland are reportedly prepared to offload Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Dennis Cirkin during the January window.

The 23-year-old was arguably the best left-side defender in the Championship last term as the Black Cats secured promotion via the playoffs.

Cirkin featured in 36 second-tier matches for Regis Le Bris's troops, scoring three goals and providing two assists across the course of the campaign.

However, a total spend of £163m over the summer from Sunderland has seen a number of last season's star pushed to the fringes of the squad.

Boasting experience at Atletico Madrid, Brazilian Reinildo Mandava has taken the first-choice spot at left-back for the newly-promoted side so far.

Sunderland considering sale of Tottenham-linked Cirkin?

According to TBR Football, Sunderland are beginning to devise their strategy regarding the future of Cirkin ahead of the New Year trading point.

The report claims that the Black Cats are considering the possibility of offloading the highly-rated 23-year-old during the winter transfer window.

It is understood that Europa League holders Tottenham are interested in securing the services of Cirkin, who spent time in the club's academy as a teenager.

As well as being admirers of the defender's on-field qualities, Spurs are also keenly aware that the Englishman would help satisfy the homegrown player quota.

Cirkin's current deal at the Stadium of Light expires next summer, with Sunderland supposedly aiming to prevent the defender leaving on a free at the end of the season.

Cirkin surplus to requirements

Even with Reinildo suspended for the win at Nottingham Forest on the weekend, Cirkin was unable to feature for the newly-promoted Black Cats.

Also joining the club over the summer, Arthur Masuaku started at left-back for Sunderland, who secured a 1-0 triumph at the City Ground.

Cirkin is down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light and could depart in January without making a competitive appearance in the first half of 2025-26.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has revealed that Dominic Solanke has undergone minor ankle surgery.

Solanke has not played for Spurs since featuring as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Manchester City on August 23.

The former Bournemouth striker was absent from Monday's training session, along with fellow forward Randal Kolo Muani.Â

Having been without Solanke's services for the last six matches games, Frank has now confirmed that the 28-year-old will remain sidelined for at least two more matches after undergoing an ankle procedure.

Frank confirms Solanke surgeryÂ

"Dom has got that ankle issue that's been bothering him for a little while, so now we've decided to make a minor surgery," Frank told reporters ahead of Tuesday's Champions League away clash with Bodo/Glimt.Â

"It's a small procedure, so that will mean he is not ready [for Bodo/Glimt] and of course Leeds [on Saturday] as well."

"We'll have more news about a time frame after the international break, but I don't expect it to be long."

Meanwhile, Frank revealed that the club's medical staff are now 'finally on top" of Randal Kolo Muani's dead leg, but he is unlikely to feature in Tuesday's contest.

Frank provides Romero, Davies injury updates

Spurs captain Cristian Romero was another notable absentee from Monday's open training session, and has not travelled to Norway for the meeting with Bodo/Glimt.

However, Frank has insisted that Romero has been left in London 'as a precaution', boosting hopes that he will be ready for Saturday's Premier League clash against Leeds.Â

In contrast to Romero, Ben Davies has made the trip to Norway after recovering from a knee problem that has kept him out of the last three matches.

“Ben Davies is available and has travelled with the team, so that is positive," the Tottenham boss said.Â

Spurs remain without the injured Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison, while Mathys Tel has not been included in Tottenham's league phase squad.Â

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze during next summer's transfer window.

The 24-year-old is a new face with the Yellow Submarine, securing a £26m switch from French giants Lyon over the off-season trading point.

Mikautadze has faced off against Tottenham in the Champions League this term, when the Premier League side sealed a 1-0 victory in gameweek one of the League Phase.

The Georgia international's impact has been felt more on the domestic scene to date, scoring once and providing one assist in three La Liga matches.

Since making his international debut in March 2021, Mikautadze has been a key part for Georgia, scoring 21 goals in just 39 appearances.

Tottenham want Villarreal newboy Mikautadze?

According to British sources via Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are eyeing up a move for a La Liga newcomer ahead of next season.

The report claims that the current Europa League holders are interested in bringing Villarreal hotshot Mikautadze to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is understood that Thomas Frank's troops are lining up a £52m offer for the 24-year-old, who has played just five matches for the Yellow Submarine so far.

It is understood that Spurs want to wait until the end of the season to move for the striker, just in case he suffers a dip in form in La Liga.

Looking to pick up their first points of the League Phase campaign, Villarreal host Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Tottenham's striking options

Tottenham are battling on with just the one fit striker at the moment, with Brazil international Richarlison leading the line at the start of the new season.

Spurs have been unable to call upon the talents of Dominic Solanke due to an ankle issue, whilst Randal Kolo Muani picked up a dead leg a few weeks ago.

Frank's side will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Champions League on Wednesday night when they travel to Bodo/Glimt.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to travel with just the single striker for the match at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Spurs secured a last-minute share of the spoils with relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers in North London on the weekend.

It appeared as if Thomas Frank's side were on course for only their second defeat of the Premier League term when Santiago Bueno opened the scoring for the visitors.

However, there was a final twist in the tale of the North London contest late on, when former Fulham man Joao Palhinha netted a 94th-minute equaliser.

After beating Villarreal 1-0 on the opening gameweek of the Champions League, Spurs will be looking to maintain their 100% record in Norway this time around.

Tottenham injury updates including Solanke, Kolo Muani

According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham are set to head into their European clash light on options at the very top end of the pitch.

The report claims that both Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani did not take part in first-team training on Monday ahead of the Champions League match.

Frenchman Kolo Muani suffered a dead leg in training on September 19 and is yet to return to senior action for the Europa League winners.

Solanke managed two matches at the beginning of the Premier League season before picking up a troublesome ankle injury in late August.

Better news for Frank's troops arrives in the form of Ben Davies, who took part in training following a minor knee problem for the Wales international.

Who will play at striker for Spurs?

With Solanke and Kolo Muani unlikely to feature in Norway on Wednesday night, there is a clear option for Tottenham in the central-striking role.

Richarlison has enjoyed a productive start to the Premier League campaign, scoring three goals and providing one assist across six appearances.

The Brazilian is not an out-and-out option in that position such as Solanke, but the 28-year-old can certainly cause Bodo/Glimt issues.

No Data Analysis info

Both out to prolong their unbeaten starts to the 2025-26 Champions League league phase, Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur square off at the former's Aspmyra Stadion home on Tuesday night.

The two outfits have a combined four points on the board from matchweek one, as Thomas Frank oversaw a 1-0 Spurs triumph over Villarreal thanks to an early own goal from Yellow Submarine goalkeeper Luiz Junior.

Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt's first-ever Champions League league phase/group-stage came saw the Norwegian outfit mount a noteworthy comeback, reversing a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with Czech giants Slavia Prague.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two sides.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings:Â 2

Bodo/Glimt wins:Â 0

Draws:Â 0

Tottenham Hotspur wins: 2

Prior to 2025, Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur had never crossed paths in competitive action; by the end of the current calendar year, they would have locked horns on three occasions in European tournaments.

The Norwegian champions and North London powerhouses first collided in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 Europa League, where Ange Postecoglou's men avoided an aggregate upset as they advanced to the final by virtue of a 5-1 success over two legs.

The two clubs' inaugural meeting was fought at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 39th second of the game before James Maddison and Dominic Solanke also struck in the English capital.

Ulrik Saltnes's late consolation for Bodo/Glimt offered the Scandinavians a glimmer of hope for the return fixture in the Arctic Circle, but with the score still 0-0 with an hour gone in the second leg, the hosts' prospects were looking bleak.

A stalemate would have sufficed for Spurs, but in between the 60th and 70th minute, Solanke and Pedro Porro found the back of the net as Tottenham made absolutely sure of their place in the final with a 2-0 victory.

Spurs' pair of triumphs over Bodo/Glimt in the 2024-25 Europa League extended their 100% record over Norwegian teams, as the Lilywhites also defeated Tromso twice in the 2013-14 Europa League and Lyn in both legs of their 1972-73 UEFA Cup first-round tie.

In contrast, Bodo/Glimt have been put to the sword in all five of their UEFA competition matches against English clubs, having also been beaten by Arsenal twice in the 2022-23 Europa League and Manchester United once in the 2024-25 competition.

Last two meetings

May 08, 2025: Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League)

May 01, 2025: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bodo/Glimt (Europa League)

Read more on Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur

How to watch Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham: Date, time, live stream and TV channel

Kolo Muani, Solanke, Davies latest: Spurs injury, suspension list vs. Bodo/Glimt

Click here to read our full preview for Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur

Simons dropped, Sarr starts: Predicted Spurs XI vs. Bodo/Glimt

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received a boost in their efforts to re-sign a former academy graduate, who could help alleviate the Lilywhites' well-documented home-grown concerns.

Thomas Frank's side play their second Champions League game of the season away to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night, where the Dane could be without no fewer than three centre-forward options.

Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Randal Kolo Muani (dead leg) are both doubtful for the contest due to injury, while Mathys Tel was not selected for Tottenham's Champions League league-phase squad.

Frank had to take the difficult decision to leave out the likes of Tel, Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma for the opening stage, as Spurs could not name their full allocation of 25 players owing to a lack of club or association-trained squad members.

Under UEFA rules, in order to name a 25-strong squad, clubs must include eight locally-trained players, who have either represented the club or another team in the same national association for an uninterrupted period of three years between the ages of 15 and 21.

Spurs transfer news: Sunderland 'open' to January Dennis Cirkin sale

One player who would fit the bill is Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin, who came through the Tottenham youth academy but failed to make a single senior appearance for the Lilywhites before joining the Black Cats in 2021.

The 23-year-old quickly became a Sunderland stalwart, though, playing 39 Championship games during their promotion-winning season last term and directly contributing to five goals along the way.

However, Cirkin - who is yet to make an appearance in the 2025-26 season due to injury - is out of contract at the end of the season, and TBR Football claims that the Black Cats will 'explore the possibility' of a sale in January.

Cirkin is expected to return from a wrist injury in a few weeks' time, but following the signings of Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku, he could be Regis Le Bris's third-choice left-back by the time he returns.

As a result, Sunderland are open to cashing in on the Republic of Ireland international during the January transfer window, as he is highly unlikely to sign a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

Cirkin to Spurs: An astute signing or pressing the panic button?

While Cirkin never made a first-team appearance for Tottenham during his first spell at the club, he was included in matchday squads in the Premier League and Europa League under Jose Mourinho, which is no mean feat for a young player.

After also winning promotion from League One with Sunderland in 2021-22, Cirkin quickly adapted to Championship football, but the step-up from the second tier to the Premier League is a much bigger one.

The left-back's lack of top-flight experience should not be a key factor in Spurs' decision-making, as Sunderland should accept a nominal fee for Cirkin, but whether he would get the game time he desires in North London remains to be seen.

At 23, Cirkin is at the stage where regular game time is a necessity, and Tottenham boss Frank already has Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence capable of doing a competent job at left-back.

Spurs' interest in Cirkin makes complete sense from an administrative point of view, but without guarantees over game time, the former Lilywhites youth product may very well seek out opportunities elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk.

The 26-year-old has been a key part of the Yorkshire side's return to the Premier League following Championship promotion last term.

Struijk has started all six of the top-flight matches so far for Daniel Farke's side, helping the team to positive results over recent weeks.

The Whites secured a 3-1 success at relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, before sharing the spoils with Bournemouth at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.

Since making the move for the youth setup of Ajax in January 2018, Struijk has featured on 167 occasions for Leeds, scoring 14 goals.

Tottenham keen on Leeds star Struijk?

According to CaughtOffside, Champions League-competing Tottenham are targeting some Premier League players ahead of the winter window.

The report claims that the Europa League champions are interested in securing the services of Leeds defender Struijk in the New Year.

It is understood that Spurs boss Thomas Frank is a massive admirer of the 26-year-old, who is approaching eight full years at Elland Road.

It is believed that Struijk's capabilities as a left-footed defender are extremely attractive to the North Londoners, who won their first trophy in 17 years last term.

Such a key player at the Yorkshire-based club, the centre-back has two years remaining on his current deal with Leeds, who could be preparing to wave goodbye to the player.

Tottenham's defensive options

Since the start of the Ange Postecoglou era in North London in the summer of 2023, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have formed the first-choice defensive partnership.

The Dutchman provides blistering pace on the recovery, whilst the Argentine World Cup winners brings a no-nonsense attitude to the backline.

That being said, head coach Frank is always looking for improvements in the squad, with Struijk a left-footer who interests the Lilywhites.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank is still sweating over the fitness of two strikers for Tuesday's Champions League scrap with Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle.

The Lilywhites remained without Randal Kolo Muani (dead leg) and Dominic Solanke (ankle) for Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where they only snatched a leveller in the final few seconds courtesy of a Joao Palhinha finish.

Kolo Muani and Solanke's problems are both taking longer to heal than initially anticipated, and it would be a surprise if either man was cleared to make their comeback in midweek, so Richarlison should go without a rest for now.

However, Frank may feel the need to freshen up his attacking options after Saturday's stale display, so Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert can feel optimistic of replacing Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert from the first whistle.

Pape Sarr - a substitute at the weekend after recovering from a knock - is also in line for a recall to the midfield, potentially alongside Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall as Rodrigo Bentancur cedes his spot.

Pedro Porro was also restricted to second-half minutes against Wolves and will surely be promoted back to the first XI on Tuesday, likely over Destiny Udogie as Djed Spence shifts across to the left-hand side of the backline.

It would not be a complete surprise to see Kevin Danso make the cut too, potentially in Cristian Romero's place as Frank also keeps on eye on the upcoming Premier League battle with Leeds United on Saturday lunchtime.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Palhinha, Bergvall; Johnson, Richarlison, OdobertÂ

No Data Analysis info

Only four months after colliding in the semi-finals of the Europa League, Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur reunite in the glitz and glamour of the Champions League league phase on Tuesday evening in the Arctic Circle.

With Ange Postecoglou at the helm, the Lilywhites slaughtered the Scandinavians 5-1 on aggregate in May, but the hosts nevertheless managed to force their way into the continental big time.

Match preview

En route to a long-awaited slice of silverware and coveted place in the Champions League, Tottenham made light work of Bodo/Glimt over two legs in last year's Europa League semis, following up a 3-1 North London success with a 2-0 triumph in Nordic territory.

With Postecoglou now trying to work his magic at Nottingham Forest - and failing thus far - Spurs head back to Bodo one for one under Thomas Frank in the 2025-26 Champions League, as the Dane masterminded a 1-0 success over Villarreal courtesy of an early Luiz Junior own goal.

The scoreline told the story of a nervy opening victory for the Europa League holders, but one that puts them on the verge of achieving something they have only ever done once before in a Champions League season; win both of their opening league phase/group-stage games.

The 2017-18 campaign represents the first - and so far only season - where Spurs have claimed two triumphs in their first two Champions League contests, and across all UEFA competitions, they have been beaten in just one of their last 13 games on the continent.

Nullifying Norwegian opponents also comes easily to the North London giants, who have won all six of their previous matches against sides from the Scandinavian country, and Frank's men enter the midweek battle on a five-game unbeaten sequence in all tournaments.

However, Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with a hitherto pointless Wolverhampton Wanderers side may have felt like a defeat for Tottenham, even if Joao Palhinha's shirt-stripping celebration after his last-gasp equaliser suggested otherwise.

While Tottenham closed off the route to Champions League football via Europa League stardom for Bodo/Glimt, the Eliteserien winners were finally christened in Europe's premier competition thanks to a 6-2 aggregate success over Sturm Graz in the qualifying playoff round.

One of four clubs making their debuts in the Champions League proper this season - and now the northernmost team to ever compete in Europe's premier competition - Kjetil Knutsen's side provided value for money in matchweek one, pulling off an improbable comeback from two goals down against Czech outfit Slavia Prague.

The Scandinavians were ostensibly down and out when Youssoupha Mbodji doubled Slavia's lead in the 74th minute, but Daniel Bassi cut the deficit in half just a few moments later before Sondre Brunstad Fet rescued a point with 90 minutes on the clock.

The four-goal thriller at the Fortuna Arena represents the third game in a five-match unbeaten sequence for Tuesday's hosts, who took down Odds BK in Norwegian Cup action on Thursday evening, although that win came at quite the cost.

Bodo/Glimt Champions League form:

Bodo/Glimt form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Champions League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Spurs have been soldiering on without Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Randal Kolo Muani (dead leg) for the past couple of weeks, as both strikers' issues are taking longer to heal than anticipated, and they are only thought to be in with slim chances of returning here.

Long-serving defender Ben Davies (knee) should be the next cab off the rank but is also touch and go for Tuesday, while the injured and ineligible Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (ACL), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Kota Takai (foot) and Yves Bissouma (unspecified) will play no part.

Mathys Tel not being selected for the league phase depletes Frank's attacking options further, so Richarlison should be afforded no respite at the tip of the attack for the time being.

On Bodo/Glimt's end, the cost of their recent NM Cup win over Odds BK was first-half injuries to centre-back Brede Moe and right-winger Bassi, who were both forced to leave the field with purported groin injuries.

Knutsen could not say for certain how severe the pair's problems were at full time, but even a light strain would put their participation at serious risk, so the duo could join captain Ulrik Saltnes (illness) on the sidelines for Tuesday's game.

Odin Bjortuft - a starter against Slavia Prague - should be first in line to replace Moe, while Ole Didrik Blomberg could step in for Bassi if Mathias Jorgensen fails to shake off a knock.

Bodo/Glimt possible starting lineup:

Lund; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Nielsen, Aleesami; Fet, Berg, Auklend; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Palhinha, Bergvall; Johnson, Richarlison, OdobertÂ

We say: Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Â

Spurs' lack of ingenuity against the Premier League's basement side on Saturday was alarming, but a refreshed set of attacking options should get the job done in Norway.

While Bodo's unbeaten record is pleasing on the eye, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six games, and their defence will surely not hold out for the full 90.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Â

No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!

Another trip to the Arctic Circle awaits Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night, as the Lilywhites reunite with Europa League semi-final foes Bodo/Glimt in the league phase of the Champions League.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs overcame their Norwegian counterparts 5-1 on aggregate to reach the Europa League final last year, following up a 3-1 home triumph with a 2-0 success on Bodo's territory.

Thomas Frank also oversaw a 1-0 victory over Villarreal in this year's UCL opener, but Spurs needed a last-gasp Joao Palhinha equaliser to avoid defeat against Premier League basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Bodo/Glimt, who held Slavia Prague to a 2-2 draw in their first-ever Champions League league phase/group-stage match.

Randal Kolo Muani

Status:Â Major doubt

Type of injury:Â Dead leg

Possible return date:Â September 30 (vs. Bodo/Glimt)

Randal Kolo Muani's dead leg - which he sustained in a training-ground clash with Pape Sarr - is taking longer to heal than initially expected, and his chances of returning on Tuesday are considered slim to none.

Ben Davies

Status:Â Major doubt

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â September 30 (vs. Bodo/Glimt)

Experienced defender Ben Davies is in with a better chance of returning from his knee issue for the trip to Norway, but the Wales international will still need a once-over ahead of kickoff.

Yves Bissouma

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Unspecified

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Yves Bissouma is still waiting to make his Tottenham debut under Frank, having sustained an unspecified issue a few weeks ago, and there is no timeframe on his return to competitive action.Â

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Foot/ineligible

Possible return date:Â October 4 (vs. Leeds United)

Japanese defender Kota Takai would have been in full training with the team for nearly a week by the time Tuesday's game rolls around, but he has been left out of the squad for the league phase anyway.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â ACL

Possible return date:Â October 19 (vs. Aston Villa)

Radu Dragusin is on course to return from his ACL issue during the autumn months, but the Romanian is still a few weeks away - at least - from being considered for senior matchday squads again.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â November 29 (vs. Fulham)

Frank has confirmed that he expects Dejan Kulusevski to return from his severe knee issue before the end of 2025, but a comeback before late November is unlikely.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â ACL

Possible return date:Â Unknown

James Maddison's 2025-26 season ended before it had even started due to the cruel ACL injury he suffered in pre-season, and the playmaker's hopes of representing England at the 2026 World Cup have also been dashed.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â September 30 (vs. Bodo/Glimt)

Dominic Solanke's ankle problem is proving "tricky" for the striker to overcome - Frank has admitted - but he has been training outdoors again and might be in with a slight chance of making the squad in midweek.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match, but Mathys Tel is also unavailable on account of being left out of Tottenham's UCL league-phase squad.

No Data Analysis info