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Sunderland AFC are desperate to keep hold of their 17-year old-sensation Chris Rigg despite interest from Manchester United.
Since Ineos have come to town, they have been intent on hoovering up some of the best young talents in football.
They have already signed Chido Obi-Martin, who marked his first start with the under 18s with a 14 minute hat-trick, and 18-year old-Mali starlet Sékou Kone, who is already training with the first team.
Rigg fits the bill of a top young talent as he has been instrumental in the Mackems’ rise to the top of the Championship table.
It was reported earlier in the week that the Red Devils share Sunderland’s admiration for the player and are “determined” to sign the young midfielder. Sunderland have other ideas however.
Sources at Football Insider report that “Sunderland will do everything they can to ward off interest from Premier League clubs in teenage sensation Chris Rigg.”
European giants such as United, Chelsea and even Real Madrid have all been credited with an interest in him.
“However, Sunderland are desperate to keep hold of Rigg past the January transfer window as they accelerate their promotion push under Regis Le Bris this season.”
The 17 year old signed a three year professional deal with the Black Cats in the summer.
Rigg won the Goal of the month and Young Player of the month award for the Championship last month and has played 12 games in the league, finding the back of the net three times.
He is viewed as “a shining light” of North-East football and has displayed “his tenacity and flair all over the pitch” this season.
Were United able to land the 17 year old in the future, it would certainly be another feather in the cap for the new owners and would add to an already embarrassment of riches in the club’s academy.
