Record-breaking Championship youngster now set to stay at club amid Newcastle interest

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Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg looks set to stay put on Wearside despite solid interest from Newcastle United.

According to The Athletic, Sunderland will hang on to their highly-rated 16-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg despite interest from Newcastle.

Rigg became Sunderland’s youngest ever outfield first team player last season when he came off the bench for the Black Cats in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury.

Rigg made an instant impact on his debut for Sunderland at just 15

Newcastle and Manchester United both had their eye on the youngster, but after turning up at the Academy of Light for pre-season it’s now expected that Rigg will sign on for a two year scholarship this afternoon (27th June).

He’ll be hoping to push his way into Tony Mowbray’s first-team plans this season after his 10 minute cameo against Shrewsbury was followed up with another appearance from the bench in the next round against Fulham. Rigg actually scored a late winner in that game but it was ruled out for a tight offside.

Rigg spoke about his debut against Shrewsbury where he was instrumental in Sunderland’s winner, telling The Chronicle: “To get the win and progress to the next round just topped it off,” Rigg said.

“I remember my dad pointing out to me that not many 15-year-olds would take on their man down the wing to win the corner for the equaliser.”

Newcastle will probably be keeping a close eye on Rigg’s development

That shows the kind of player he is, at 15, having the foresight and the confidence to run at his man in a big game on your first-team debut. Not many kids would take that risk on their first appearance.

In December The Sun seemed convinced that Newcastle would win the race to snap up the then 15-year-old, going on to say that Rigg had been rated the best in the country for his age and had captained the England U16s.

Chris Rigg looks like an amazing prospect, and even if he does sign up for another two years at Sunderland, I’m sure Newcastle will be keeping an eye on his progress as the Hebburn-born lad has been earmarked for big things.