The Black Cats could raid the French markt with Manchester United keen on young star Rigg
Lyon's Mahamadou Diawara (L) fights for the ball with Clermont-Ferrand's Habib Keita
Lyon's Mahamadou Diawara (L) fights for the ball with Clermont-Ferrand's Habib Keita
Clermont Foot midfielder Habib Keita remains on Sunderland’s radar as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the Premier League season.
At the same time there is said to be growing interest in teenage sensation Chris Rigg, with European heavyweights now entering the race and the Black Cats ready to stand firm to keep one of their prized assets.
According to Ontheminute.com, Keita is the latest name on Sunderland's radar as the club looks to increase midfield options.
The 23-year-old Malian impressed in Ligue 2 last season, making 30 appearances and registering one goal and four assists.
Highly regarded for his versatility, technique and work rate, Keita has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in the French second tier.
Regis Le Bris certainly has his finger on the pulse when it comes to the French league and while L’Équipe previously reported that QPR, Stoke City, and Crystal Palace have all shown interest, Sunderland are now reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Meanwhile, the Black Cats are also fighting to keep hold of one of their own. Reports in Italy claim Serie A side Lazio have entered the race for Rigg, who is already attracting strong interest from across Europe.
Il Messaggero, via La Lazio Siamo Noi, say the Italian club are keeping a close eye on the 17-year-old’s development, although they face stiff competition from both Premier League and Bundesliga sides.
Another outlet, TEAMtalk have reported seven Premier League clubs are tracking Rigg – said to be Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham, Everton, Brighton and Crystal Palace.
Bundesliga clubs Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are also said to be admirers, with both keen to replicate the Dortmund model that saw Jobe Bellingham snapped up earlier this summer.
But Sunderland don’t want to sell and at 18, Rigg is said to be keen to keep developing with his current club before making his big move.
Despite the mounting speculation, Sunderland will do everything they can to fend off the interest to keep Rigg.
The England youth international is under contract until 2027 after signing professional terms last year, and the club are believed to have slapped a £35million valuation on the midfielder, with no plans to accept anything less.
Rigg played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign under Régis Le Bris, and although top clubs are circling, sources suggest the youngster remains settled on Wearside for now.
Sources cited in TEAMtalk’s report claim the club have no interest in selling Rigg in this window and remain in a strong position to resist any advances.
There is also a suggestion that Sunderland are keen to reopen talks with the midfielder over fresh terms, despite his current deal still having two years left to run.
The teenager made 31 appearances in all competitions last season, playing a key role in Régis Le Bris’ side, and is expected to be a major figure as the club returns to the Premier League.