Leeds United are already considering options at left-back with Junior Firpo’s long-term future in doubt and Sunderland ace Dennis Cirkin has been linked with a move to Elland Road.
Junior Firpo is out of contract at the end of the season and Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Firpo will only sign a new deal if Daniel Farke can guide the Whites back to the Premier League.
Leeds will obviously want to keep a left-back that has had a hand in 11 Championship goals in 39 games at this level. But, Firpo is a player with Real Betis and Barcelona on his CV, he knows he can play higher.
The chances are that Firpo will have interest in his services even if Leeds do go up, with a new deal not likely to materialise before January 1, when non-English clubs can approach Firpo on a pre-contract deal.
Leeds eye Dennis Cirkin and Tottenham could now benefit
Leeds are being linked with a move for Cirkin, ahead of the January window. Whether or not Leeds are interested indefinitely or fancy their chances at a move in the next window remains to be seen.
But, Sunderland insist Cirkin is ‘not for sale’. However, he will enter the final 18 months of his contract at Sunderland on January 1 – and Sunderland have made it a priority to hand Cirkin an improved contract.
The Echo now says that if Leeds do make a move for Cirkin, then a portion of any transfer fee will go to Tottenham. Cirkin’s boyhood club installed a sell-on clause that entitles them to a portion of the figure.
Tottenham clause could see Leeds have to increase Cirkin fee
Sunderland will obviously have a figure in mind when it comes to Cirkin. A player that is still only 22, but scores goals from the left side of the defence and can play in the middle, if he is required to do so.
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Tottenham were linked at one stage and had a buyback clause of £6m, but that expired in the summer. But if Leeds are to make a move, it is likely that Sunderland will want a bit on top to cover Spurs’ charge.
It is unclear how much that fee would be but it is likely to be a decent amount, especially in January. The enormity of that figure is also down to Cirkin, and whether he signs a new contract or runs his deal down.