The Sunderland full back is currently out of contract this summer
Régis Le Bris has said it is still too early for Sunderland and Dennis Cirkin to make a decision on his long-term future at the club.
Cirkin, like Dan Neil, has entered the final six months of his contract on Wearside and so is currently set to leave as a free agent this summer. With Neil struggling for game time this season, he opted to join Ipswich Town on loan this month with the club confirming that he would then depart at the end of his contract.
Cirkin’s situation is a little more complex, as he has made a strong return from a significant injury and played well during Reinildo’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations. That has bolstered his prospects of a new deal but the Sunderland head coach says both parties need time to fully assess the situation.
“At the minute, I'm happy with Dennis and he's doing well,” Le Bris said.
“He had a long period without playing, so this period is really important for his consistency. It's more a step-by-step process at the minute, for him and for us. We trust each other, which is really important. If we go all the way, maybe we'll have another decision.
“But at the minute, nothing is done. I repeat, probably the main word with Dennis and us at the minute is consistency. Consistency and trust. If he stays consistent and feels that it's the right place to go further, I think we'll find an agreement. But it's a bit early at the moment.”
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Régis Le Bris pays tribute to Dan Neil after Sunderland departure
“Huge player and so for the club, for me as manager as well,” Le Bris said of Neil following his departure.
“The connection we had last season was absolutely perfect. The way we worked together, the way he managed the team as a captain and he was a key factor to manage the togtherness with Luke, probably those two players last season were really important for that topic. The journey is the journey and I think he's now in a new part of his professional life, you have to leave at times, but with respect and good memories.
“He helped the others to grow and probably to take his place this season which in this world is not often so it's really important to repeat that,” Le Bris added.
“Even if he wasn't our captain this season, he behaves like a captain. He helped the whole squad to settle in this league, which is really important, and after that it was time to leave.”
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