DENNIS Cirkin says Sunderland is “one of the best places to be for young players” after the defender committed his future to the club by signing a new three-year contract.

Cirkin has established himself as a favourite on Wearside since joining the club from Tottenham two summers ago and says he’s at the “perfect” club.

Such talk - and the hugely impressive development of Cirkin and several other youngsters on the pitch at Sunderland - will no doubt be noted by the club’s summer transfer targets.

The Black Cats have already made an impressive start to the summer window, signing Nectar Triantis and Jobe Bellingham, while also moving to reward their young first team stars with new contracts, with Cirkin following in the footsteps of Trai Hume in signing a new deal.

Cirkin made 41 appearances in his first campaign on Wearside, including playing every minute of the successful League One play-off campaign, before featuring 28 times in the Championship last term, scoring five goals.

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After signing his new deal, Cirkin said: “It’s such a good feeling and I really am delighted to commit my future to the club. This is one of the best places to be for young players at the moment and we showed that last year – I’m really enjoying it, so I think this is the perfect place for me.

"We got into the play-offs last season, which was incredible, and as players, staff and fans, we should all be excited for what’s ahead. I really want to kick on next season and reach new heights.”

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “Dennis has a huge future in front of him and we’re delighted that he’s committed his future to Sunderland AFC.

"Although he was really unfortunate with the nature of the injuries that kept him out of the team at times last season, we saw the progress he’s made towards the end of the campaign and he demonstrated his quality in a Championship environment.

"He’s played an integral part in our success over the last two seasons and will be equally important to our future.”