Sunderland star Chris Rigg has plenty of suitors this summer and Everton are the latest to be credited with interest in a report from Sky Sports.
Sunderland are set for a very long summer transfer window with many of their players linked with moves away. After a fine season from SAFC, it is no surprise to see so many of their young stars attracting interest.
The two main names on everyone’s lips are the teenage midfield duo of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham. The pair are two of the highly talked about youngsters in world football right now and look likely to leave this summer.
SAFC - Sunderland duo Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor celebrate
Image courtesy of: LEE SMITH/REUTERS.
Rigg has been heavily linked with most Premier League sides and another has now been named in the race for the youngster.
Sky Sports, via their transfer live blog, have reported that Everton are taking a big interest in the Sunderland 17-year-old.
Rigg is of the profile that Everton are looking at this summer, they state and Everton boss David Moyes, formerly of SAFC, is a big fan of Rigg.
The Black Cats academy graduate scored for England U19s this week, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Portugal. Many other Premier League and European sides are interested, along with West Ham.
Why so much interest?
Sunderland have got so much young talent in their squad. As said earlier, it is no shock that such a young side that is 4th in the Championship is attracting such attention.
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Rigg though was also a bright spark in the very poor second half of last season. While just 16, he was starting most games towards the end of last campaign and his potential was obvious to see.
sunderland players chris rigg and simon moore
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
During this campaign, he flew out the gates and was a real star. An ankle injury and fatigue have slowed his progress but he still looks more than comfortable at Championship level.
Rigg has scored four goals and provided one assist from 34 games this season.
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Sunderland are in a good place in terms of bargaining power with Rigg this summer. They offer him the game time he needs, while also having him under contract until 2027.
SAFC could also strengthen their grip if they manage to secure Premier League football this season. At this point, it looks like they will need to do that via the play-offs though.
Rigg will want to end this season in style but it could be a situation reassessed in the summer once the campaign comes to a close.
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