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Newcastle United looking to pry Chris Rigg away from arch-rivals Sunderland - report
Newcastle United have approached local rivals Sunderland in an attempt to sign young midfielder Chris Rigg, according to the Daily Express.
Despite being just 15 years old, Rigg has already made the step up to Sunderland’s Under-18s team, making nine appearances last season.
The Daily Express reported on Friday afternoon (15 July) that The Magpies have made an approach for the wonderkid, with Sunderland demanding £1million for his services.
According to the report, Rigg is unlikely to move away from The Black Cats until next summer as he still has 10 months left on his contract.
Everton are also believed to be in the race for Rigg, with iNews reporting back in April that The Toffees were poised to make a move for the starlet this summer.
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The Magpies have been making great strides in improving their academy under the guidance of Academy Manager Steve Harper.
Ireland Under-18s captain Alex Murphy has already joined this summer, alongside former Tottenham starlet Jordan Hackett.
The club’s mega-money takeover will see heavy investment in the academy infrastructure in the coming years, and Rigg is a major part of that.
Despite only turning 15 last month, Rigg is regarded as one of the best young players in the country and adapted to Under-18s football perfectly.
Across his nine U18 Premier League appearances last season, Rigg racked up two goals and two assists as Sunderland recorded an 11th-place finish.
He also made his breakthrough for England Under-15s in April, scoring one and assisting another across his four appearances so far.
Rigg caught the eye of scouts back in May when his long-range free-kick fired Sunderland to victory in the U15 Super Floodlit Cup.
Newcastle paying £1million for a 15-year-old seems like crazy money, but his potential alone justifies the fee.
In other Newcastle United news, they have been quoted a fee of £50million if they want to sign Anthony Gordon from Everton.