Sunderland closing in on permanent transfer addition | OneFootball

Sunderland have made a major breakthrough in their attempts to sign a left-back according to Football Insider as Dennis Cirkin has agreed a four-year contract at the club.

The Black Cats have been without a player in that position all summer as contract negotiations between the club and Denver Hume continue to stall, with youngsters Tyrese Dyce and Dan Neil – a midfielder – playing in that area of the pitch.

It was Neil who started in Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday to kick off their League One campaign, and whilst he impressed the aim has always been to get a deal for a natural left-back over the line.

Tony Gallacher of Liverpool looked to be that man at one stage but attentions then turned to 19-year-old Cirkin, who has been a regular in Tottenham’s under-23 side recently.

Quiz: Can you remember the score from Sunderland’s last 15 opening day matches?

1 of 15

1. 20/21 v Bristol Rovers

0-0 draw

1-1 draw

2-2 draw

3-3 draw

Cirkin was named on the Spurs bench for two Europa League fixtures last season but he has reportedly turned down a new deal at Spurs due to the fact that his pathway into the first-team is being blocked by the likes of Sergio Reguilon and Ben Davies.

He is instead set to drop down two divisions on a permanent basis and sign a long-term deal, with just a medical to complete on Wearside before becoming a Black Cat.

The Verdict

Sunderland probably shouldn’t have left it until after the League One season began to sort out a new first-choice left-back, however Cirkin may have been worth waiting for.

Some Tottenham fans rate him highly and are surprised that he’s departing the club on a permanent basis rather than on loan, so that’s always a good sign when a player is about to arrive at your club.

What does this mean for Denver Hume though? He has been in a contract wrangle with the club for months now and the imminent arrival of Cirkin could mean that a contract for Hume will no longer be on the table – the best case scenario would be that Hume does agree terms and Sunderland have two talented left-backs battling for a place in Lee Johnson’s line-up.