Fulham receive multiple transfer enquiries for 13-goal Sunderland target and England youth international
Fulham have received several transfer enquiries regarding striker Jay Stansfield during the summer window.
The 21-year-old was heavily linked with Sunderland 12 months ago but opted to join Birmingham City on loan instead, where he would net 13 goals in all competitions despite The Blues relegation to League One.
The Black Cats were also thought to be interested in Stansfield last January whilst it looked possible Fulham could recall the England youth international from Birmingham City. However, the move didn’t come off and the forward remained at St Andrews.
Now, though, fresh reports have suggested that Fulham have received approaches from a “number of Championship clubs” during the current window with Darren Witcoop providing an update on Stansfield’s situation.
He said: “Fulham have fielded enquiries from a number of Championship clubs for Jay Stansfield. Marco Silva a big fan of the forward but Stansfield could still yet be loaned out again next season. Luke Harris another Fulham player set for a loan switch again to continue education.”
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Dennis Cirkin admits he is really ‘looking forward’ to playing with Sunderland gem again
Dennis Cirkin returned to action as Sunderland took on Nottingham Forest in their first pre-season friendly.
Sunderland jetted off to Spain for their pre-season training camp last week and were put up against Premier League opposition in their opening fixture.
Jack Clarke netted from the penalty spot after great work from Chris Rigg, before Forest equalised in the second half.
Cirkin made his first appearance since November on Friday, having suffered a hamstring injury that limited him to only eight appearances in the Championship.
The left-back made a positive impact in the Black Cats’ first season back in the second division, netting five goals that included a brace against West Brom to help them reach the play-offs.
Cirkin is really ‘looking forward’ to playing with Sunderland star
Cirkin will be eager to stay at full fitness next season and has shared his excitement at playing behind Clarke once again.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, the defender said: “We’ve had a lot of meetings already and we feel it’s going to be a good one [season], those relationships are building. A new season always feels like a new start and you can’t dwell too much on the past, it’s about learning and trying to change
what you can in the future. It’s been a while since I’ve played competitively, so I’m excited to see what I can do and what I can maybe bring to this team. There’s a lot of different dynamics in the team so that’s exciting and interesting to see how that’s going to go. I’ve had a few good chats with the new head coach as all of us have, and it’s gone well so far.
“I’m hoping I can help the team, goals and assists, and to be honest to just get down that left side again because it’s my favourite thing in the world. It’s nice to link up with Jack [Clarke] again as well, he’s a brilliant player and our connection on the pitch is second to none. I’m looking forward to see him doing his thing again, it’s just exciting.”
Jack Clarke is likely to be replaced by deadline day
Clarke’s future remains in doubt after being linked with the likes of West Ham and Southampton this year, though Sunderland are yet to receive any offers for the winger.
Cirkin and Clarke proved a brilliant duo during the 2022-23 season and the left-back’s return could be really beneficial to Clarke if he stays at the Stadium of Light.
It is very clear that the whole squad are hopeful the 23-year-old will stay at the club and it does seem likely that he will play another Championship fixture for Sunderland, but it would be surprising if he hasn’t left by the time transfer deadline day comes round.
The Black Cats have clearly worked on their transfer policy though and fans will feel positive that they can sign a new attacker to take his spot, though he will have huge boots to fill and a lot of goals to bag if he is to live up to expectations.
