West Ham are hoping to land Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg for £10m this summer, according to reports.
The 17-year-old has caught the attention of many high-profile clubs since breaking into the Black Cats’ first team and The Sun journalist Alan Nixon claims the Hammers are keen to snap up the talented teenager.
Rigg has played an important role in Sunderland’s battle for promotion this season, with Regis Le Bris’s side currently sitting 4th in the Championship table.
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Hopes of finishing in the top two have faded and, if his team doesn’t secure its top-flight status through the playoffs, Nixon says the youngster may be tempted by a switch to the London Stadium.
Rigg has a lot of people watching him
It was reported in the local media late last year that Manchester United were seriously contemplating a bid for the midfielder during the January transfer window.
While that approach did not materialise, it is likely that the Red Devils have kept a close eye on Rigg, along with other teams. Chelsea, Wolves, Crystal Palace and even Real Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors since the start of this campaign.
West Ham may have to find a compromise on the fee
While the Irons are hoping to pay around £10m to secure Rigg’s signature, it is believed that Sunderland are demanding double that amount. It means there is a sizeable gap which will need to be bridged.
Graham Potter’s side are said to be right up against it in terms of Financial Fair Play so some creative accounting may be required to get this deal over the line.
If the Black Cats were willing to accept add-ons based on future performances, it would definitely make a deal for Rigg easier to negotiate. We shall have to wait and see how this transfer story develops.
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