Daniel Farke has made it clear that he expects a quiet window in January but there are players being linked with Leeds United, whether they are targets for January or next summer.
The Whites have a pretty well-balanced squad at the moment but there are still a couple of areas in the squad that require strengthening. One area is definitely in the 10 role, competition for Brenden Aaronson.
Junior Firpo’s long-term future is also in doubt, with Firpo waiting to sign a new deal when Leeds find out which division they are in next season. The left-back is currently out of contract at the end of the season.
While a loan or two may occur in January, Leeds will have longer-term targets and one could be left-back Dennis Cirkin at Sunderland. Leeds are supposedly interested in Cirkin, but Sunderland want to keep him.
Sunderland locked in new talks with Leeds target Dennis Cirkin
Cirkin has been one of the Championship’s best left-backs over the last couple of seasons. A player that has proven he can score and create goals at this level, while also being able to offer centre-back cover.
It has been reported that a new deal for Cirkin is a priority for Sunderland, but Sunderland expert Luke Phelps has told LeedsUnited.News a fee of £15m might tempt the Sunderland to sell Cirkin in January.
With Firpo unlikely to go anywhere next month, a left-back will not be on agenda until next summer. In the mean time, the Sunderland Echo say they are locked in talks over a new deal for “aggressive” Cirkin.
Dennis Cirkin and Junior Firpo’s Championship form compared
Firpo is one of the older members of this young Leeds side. Farke recently said how Firpo’s responsibility is growing behind the scenes and Leeds do need a few older heads to mix with the younger players.
Dennis Cirkin and Junior Firpo’s Championship stats combined
| Club | Championship Games | Goals | Assists | Wins | Clean sheets | |
| Dennis Cirkin | Sunderland | 51 | 7 | 3 | 24 | 20 |
| Junior Firpo | Leeds | 39 | 1 | 10 | 25 | 19 |
But, Firpo is also more than capable of a rush of blood – recently banned for a headbutt. There are also doubts over his ability to play in the Premier League, while Cirkin has his whole career ahead of him at 22.
If Firpo is to depart and he chooses not to sign a new Leeds deal whatever division Farke finds his side in next season, then Leeds could do little better than signing Cirkin from Sunderland, depending on the fee.
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