Reports claim Leeds United are targeting the Sunderland defender, who is out of contract this summer after winning promotion twice

Leeds United are being linked with a move for Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports from Football Insider.

The West Yorkshire club are expected to strengthen at left-back this summer, with Daniel Farke keen to add depth and competition on that side.

Current options are set to be reviewed, and Leeds are believed to be exploring more affordable additions as part of their planning. Cirkin has emerged as a potential candidate, with his contract at Sunderland due to expire at the end of the season. That situation could make him an attractive option for clubs looking to secure value in the market.

The 24-year-old has been a key figure on Wearside in recent seasons and is a double promotion winner with the club, playing an important role during their rise back to the Premier League. His attacking intent and ability to carry the ball from deep have made him a consistent outlet down the left.

Leeds have also been credited with interest in other left-back options, including Matt Targett, who is expected to become a free agent this summer. However, Cirkin’s availability and experience in the Championship may place him firmly on their radar.

Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris recently admitted he is unsure what the future holds for the defender, further fuelling speculation over a potential exit. “We'll see, it's a bit early to give a specific opinion because we don't know,” Le Bris said. “But at the minute it's clear that we have three strong full-backs.

And the competition is high. So it's hard to be fourth in that situation at the end of his contract. So I don't know because the future is the future, and it's important to stay focused on the league. Every game can give new information, but at the minute the competition is high, I can say this. It might be the end of the story, because for him and for us, we'll have to be really well aligned. So it's a bit early to decide, but it's an option.”

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Cirkin has made nine appearances for Sunderland this season, but has just one brief substitute appearance to his name since the FA Cup win at Oxford in February. With the transfer window approaching, Cirkin’s situation is likely to attract growing attention as clubs weigh up a move for the Sunderland man.

Le Bris also confirmed that no final decision had been made on Bertrand Traoré’s future, with the winger targeting a partial return to training after a knee injury next week. “Bertrand has an option which can be triggered by the number of games, and it's about our connection as well, so we can decide. He's a good lad and a good player, but it's a bit early to decide now.”

Sunderland are next in action against Wolves away from home this coming Saturday in the Premier League as Le Bris’ men look to bounce back after back-to-back defeats to Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

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