Sunderland want £40m for teenage star Chris Rigg, coming in at £30m higher than West Ham’s valuation of the midfielder, as per Alan Nixon.
Sunderland are set for a fight to hold onto their top assets this summer. SAFC are no strangers to interest in their star players and the next window looks set to be no different.
The Black Cats are focused on a different fight at the moment though as they look to see out the campaign in a play-off spot.
SAFC - Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
Promotion could play a big part in deciding the futures of their top players with teenage midfielder Chris Rigg among the big names tipped for a move to a top club, perhaps regardless of how this season ends.
However, Sunderland will not be letting Rigg go on the cheap, and their demands have left West Ham and Everton baulking.
Writing on his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon says SAFC are asking for £40m to part ways with Rigg. That comes in at a hefty £30m over the £10m deal West Ham were eyeing and Toffees boss David Moyes will not be looking to pay much more than that.
Everton scout Charlie Adam has been to watch Rigg closely but their admiration could be in vein unless a deal can be struck for considerably less than the Black Cats’ demands.
Worthy of a big price tag
There’s no hiding £40m is a huge asking price for a Championship player. However, Sunderland will point towards the fee paid for Archie Gray by Spurs last summer and feel their demands are justified.
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At only 17, Rigg has become one of the country’s biggest talents and with seven goals and an assist to his name in 62 first-team games, he’s already proven he can be a real danger in the Championship.
sunderland players chris rigg and simon moore
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
The teenage midfielder is only going to get better and SAFC are in a secure place financially, so they’re under no pressure to cash in with Rigg under contract until 2027 too.
Bids inevitable
It feels inevitable that Sunderland have a fight to keep Rigg and fellow midfield prospect Jobe Bellingham, regardless of how the promotion push pans out.
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Failure to return to the Premier League will only prompt further interest and increase the chances of an exit. However, promotion will not rule either out of moving onto pastures new.
Until the summer comes though, SAFC and their star players will be fully focused on on-pitch matters. Seven games lay between now and the likely play-off campaign Regis Le Bris’ side will have to embark upon.
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