(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Evan Shaw

Sun 26 April 2026 10:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United should be turning their attention towards Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin in their search for a new left-back this summer.

The West Yorkshire outfit are keen to add an alternative option to Gabriel Gudmundsson to their left side for next term, and appear to be considering cost-effective options to bring in an understudy to the Swede.

They have been heavily linked with a move for Matt Targett alongside Everton of late, with the Middlesbrough loanee expected to depart Newcastle United as a free agent this summer.

Targett has been a standout performer in the Championship this term, but Daniel Farke and Co. should also be considering a move for Cirkin, who was a thorn in the side of his team in their promotion campaign.

Regis Le Bris admitted that he doesn’t know where the 24-year-old’s future lies on Thursday, and that should be enough for him to feature in Leeds’ transfer plans ahead of his contract expiring this summer.

Dennis Cirkin better suited to wing-back role than Matt Targett

Le Bris’ recent move to downplay the speculation surrounding a new contract for Cirkin likely serves as an indication that he will leave the Stadium of Light at the end of the season.

That should be enough to have Leeds on red alert to try and sign him on a free transfer, given that he was one of the Championship’s best defenders when they and Sunderland both got promoted last season.

The Latvian international has been starved of regular gametime with the Black Cats this term, but there is still plenty of evidence to suggest that he would be a better option for Leeds than Targett.

Cirkin completed more successful dribbles than the Middlesbrough loanee during his last season in the Championship, and was also significantly stronger without the ball, as his stats for tackles and duels won dwarfed those of Targett.

Targett has the advantage of boasting far more Premier League experience than Cirkin, but that is largely due to the 24-year-old struggling badly with injuries this term.

The pair’s comparative stats in the Championship show that the Sunderland man would be a far better option for the wing-back role, as he is a better athlete and a stronger ball-carrier.

His lack of top-flight experience will provide a slight concern, but shouldn’t be a deal breaker given that he will start off as a backup to Gudmundsson.

Strong competition could put Leeds off Targett swoop

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Middlesbrough would “love” to keep Targett permanently, as a race looks set to ensue for his signature this summer.

The level of competition for the veteran could potentially be causing some concern for the Elland Road recruitment chiefs, who would likely have wanted a quick and easy deal.

However, a wide array of potential suitors puts Targett in the driving seat in terms of his wage demands, which could make what would otherwise be a bargain deal into one which isn’t quite so cost-effective.

Leeds will be extremely wary of that, given that they are likely only recruiting a backup for the left-back role, and it could even be enough to drive them away from Targett in the coming weeks.

Cirkin will surely have plenty of interest as well if he does leave Sunderland, but with much of that likely to come from the Championship, Leeds would hold an edge by being able to offer a stay in the Premier League.