Tottenham interested in bringing back former academy star who Jose Mourinho called ‘quality’

Tottenham Hotspur are among a host of Premier League clubs who are keeping close tabs on Sunderland full-back Dennis Cirkin, TBR Football exclusively understands.

Having come through the Tottenham academy, Cirkin left the club in 2021 without making a senior appearance for Spurs.

The 22-year-old has now amassed 108 appearances for Sunderland since leaving and has been a crucial part of the club’s attempts to get promoted from the Championship.

Cirkin has been a consistent starter for Regis Le Bris and has contributed three goals and two assists playing at left-back.

Tottenham considering move to bring Dennis Cirkin back to north London

That being said, Graeme Bailey – TBR football chief correspondent, understands that a host of Premier League clubs are doing work on the Sunderland full-back.

Cirkin is out of contract with the Wearsiders in 2026, a defender who last extended his deal with the club in 2023.

The Irish-born left-back represented England at under-20 level in the past, earning two caps back in 2021 playing alongside the likes of Morgan Rogers and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Now, it can be revealed that Spurs have kept a close eye on Cirkin’s progress ever since he left N17.

A number of well placed scouts have told TBR that Cirkin is seen as the Championship’s outstanding full-back right now.

And it’s not just Tottenham who are keeping tabs on the defender – Chelsea, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Everton and Leeds United have also all watched him this season too.

Jose Mourinho said Dennis Cirkin had a ‘lot of quality’ at Tottenham

Speaking in November 2019, then Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho actually praised Cirkin during a press conference before a Premier League match.

Mourinho mentioned Cirkin’s name when talking about the club’s youth team, shortly before Cirkin then signed his first professional deal with Spurs.