Tottenham tipped to move for Irish defender to solve Champions League problem

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on bringing an Irish defender to the club in January, and there is plenty of logic behind the move.

Dennis Cirkin was very highly rated when coming through the ranks of the Tottenham Hotspur academy, and he has shown exactly why since his move to Sunderland.

The left-back has played a key role in the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League, but he has fallen down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light this season after the arrival of Reinildo from Atletico Madrid.

It emerged two weeks ago that Tottenham are seriously considering bringing Cirkin back to N17 as they look to bolster their options at left-back.

Interesting reason why Tottenham are considering re-signing Dennis Cirkin

Some sources have reported over recent days that Cirkin would be tempted to leave Sunderland in January if his situation does not change.

Tottenham fans would be wondering why the club is interested in signing a player who is struggling to get into the Black Cats’ starting eleven, and journalist Graeme Bailey has now explained why.

He pointed out that Spurs were forced to leave out Mathys Tel from their Champions League squad due to their shortage of homegrown and club-trained players, and that is a situation they are trying to remedy.

Bailey told TBR Football: “You know, it was more of a logistical issue (Mathys Tel being omitted from Tottenham’s squad), and everyone forgets that because of the homegrown rules, Spurs lost three spots, which I think Newcastle also lost, if I’m not mistaken, down to 22. And when it’s only 22, it’s tight.

“Another reason I think they might go for Dennis Cirkin in January and bring him back from Sunderland is that he’s a homegrown Tottenham player, which would help with that situation.”

Why Spurs may struggle to sign Cirkin

Thomas Frank has said that he has three quality options at full-back, but it does not appear as if he trusts Ben Davies.

It would thus make sense for Spurs to add another left-back to their squad in January, but their chances of landing Cirkin appear slim.

If the 23-year-old wants to leave Sunderland in search of regular game time, the likelihood is that he would not be too keen on a return to Tottenham, as he would know that he is not likely to be starting too many games at the North London side.