“It would be a disaster” – Sunderland urged to avoid situation with Newcastle United

Chris Rigg, a 16-year-old star for Sunderland, may depart the team this summer, according to HITC. According to them, Newcastle United, his fierce rivals, are also the front-runners to sign him.

The report states that the young starlet is considering his options ahead of the summer, with plenty of top-flight clubs interested in the academy graduate, who has played for the Black Cats since primary school.

Rigg was born in Hebburn, which is a town in the South Tyneside borough of Tyne and Wear, but has yet to put pen to paper on a first professional contract, which could mean that the midfielder leaves the club once he turns 17.

Despite his age, the youngster has already made a breakthrough into senior football, making his debut over 12 months ago under Tony Mowbray in an FA Cup third round clash against Shrewsbury Town.

He followed that up this season by adding to his senior appearances, and scoring twice this season, with one coming in an EFL Cup tie against Crewe, and another earlier in the season during a 5-0 thrashing of Southampton at the Stadium of Light.

Featuring as much as he has at such a young age was always likely to catch the eye of other clubs, and the Magpies face reported competition to sign the teenager, with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United also keeping tabs on Rigg’s situation.

However, as he is from the North East, the majority of the player’s family are understood to be big Newcastle supporters, which could aid Newcastle in any potential pursuit of him.

Cartlon Palmer’s Chris Rigg verdict

Concerned about Sunderland’s position on Rigg’s future with the team and the rumored interest from its Tyneside rivals is former England international Carlton Palmer.

“Disappointing news coming out of Sunderland is that their teenage sensation Chris Rigg is set to leave the club in the summer and could sign for Newcastle United,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with Football League World.

Concerned about Sunderland’s position on Rigg’s future with the team and the rumored interest from its Tyneside rivals is former England international Carlton Palmer.

“Disappointing news coming out of Sunderland is that their teenage sensation Chris Rigg is set to leave the club in the summer and could sign for Newcastle United,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with Football League World.

“This would be heartbreaking for the club and their supporters.

“It is believed Rigg’s family is full of Newcastle United fans.

“There’s not a lot Sunderland can do with Rigg apart from try and convince him to stay and offer him the best terms possible that they can afford.

“Rigg’s contract situation is that he’s on the scholarship forms at the moment and when he turns 17 he can sign a professional contract.

“Sunderland could not stop him from signing for any other club but would receive compensation.

“However, it would add insult to injury for Sunderland supporters. Losing a player with his potential is bad enough, but to Newcastle, of all teams? It would be a disaster.”