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Sunderland legend Michael Gray has admitted reported Newcastle United target Chris Rigg could leave the club this summer.
Speculation has surrounded the youngster since making his debut as a 15-year-old in 2023. A boyhood Newcastle fan, Rigg has captained England at youth level and is Sunderland’s most promising academy prospect since Jordan Pickford.
Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are also understood to have expressed interest in the midfielder. At just 17, Rigg has also made over 60 appearances for the Black Cats.
The prodigy has been integral to Sunderland’s promotion charge under Regis Le Bris this season. However, if they fail to go up via the play-offs, there is fear on Wearside that he could be sold.
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That would favour Newcastle should Toon chiefs look to raid their bitter rivals while adding a talented youngster to Eddie Howe’s squad. Former Sunderland defender Gray has claimed "whoever" signs the 17-year-old will be acquiring a “superstar” to their ranks.
“Well I think speculation is never going to go away,” he said. “If you’ve got talented players and they’re playing every single week in the Championship and they’re continuously getting better, then the Premier League clubs are going to have a look and try and sign them now because they’re going to get them for cheaper.
“Chris Rigg is in that bracket because he’s an outstanding talent, has a wonderful left-foot, has a great turn of pace and he’s got an eye for goal.
“I think he grows every time you see him play and now he’s an England U19 player too. It was nice to see Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham stay at Sunderland because there was speculation in January, but they’re two talented players and whoever gets them are getting superstars.”
Chris Rigg was “buzzing” to sign contract at Sunderland last year
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Rigg could not wait to put pen to paper on a three-year extension last summer - his first contract in professional football. He told the club website: “I am absolutely buzzing, to be honest. It is a proud moment for myself and my family to be signing my first professional contract at a club like Sunderland.
“I have been dying to sign it for almost a year now. I want to develop as a player and improve as a person, and I believe this is the best place for me to do that.
“All the staff have been unbelievable with me throughout my journey at the Academy of Light, but there are still so many improvements I can make. The hard work starts now, but I am looking forward to making many more memories representing this club.”
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