Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly weighing up a January swoop for 23-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin, with the Sunderland defender once again on the radar of his former club. According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, Spurs view Cirkin as a strong option to strengthen their defensive line when the winter window opens.

The North Londoners previously considered a reunion with their academy graduate in the summer but opted not to pursue a deal. However, circumstances have shifted, and with Cirkin growing frustrated at Sunderland following Reinildo Mandava’s arrival, Tottenham could make their move.

Who is Dennis Cirkin?

Cirkin is no stranger to Spurs fans. A Dublin-born defender who came through Tottenham’s youth system, he earned recognition under José Mourinho before departing for Sunderland in 2021. Since then, he has established himself as a reliable and attacking full-back, making over 100 appearances for the Black Cats while contributing eight goals and six assists.

Despite his consistency, the 2025/26 season has been challenging. With Mandava displacing him as Sunderland’s first-choice left-back, Cirkin has found game time hard to come by, sparking speculation about a potential exit.

Why Spurs Want Him Back

Tottenham’s interest makes perfect sense. Ben Davies is entering the twilight of his career, and with squad depth a concern, a new left-back is high on the club’s agenda. Cirkin not only ticks the box as a homegrown player but also represents a cost-effective solution, with reports suggesting he could be available at a cut-price fee in January.

For Spurs, the move would reunite them with a player they know well, while for Cirkin, it could be the ideal step back into a bigger stage after his impressive development in the Championship and Premier League.

Whether Tottenham firm up their interest remains to be seen, but Cirkin’s return to North London is quickly becoming a storyline to watch in the January transfer window.