Sunderland teenage sensation Chris Rigg on Crystal Palace radar – report
Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg has emerged as a potential £20m January transfer target for Crystal Palace, according to the Sun.
The newspaper reported in their print edition on 7 November (page 55) that “Crystal Palace are eyeing a £20million swoop” for Rigg as he catches the eye in the Championship this season.
Rigg has maintained a high level of performance throughout the campaign for Sunderland and has attracted interest from several clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Sun adds that Crystal Palace will face significant competition to land his signature from clubs across Europe.
Sunderland need to retain Chris Rigg
At least for the remainder of the season, it is vital that Sunderland are able to keep hold of Rigg. He has been an influential part of Regis Le Bris’ squad and his departure would leave a massive hole in the Black Cats’ side.
Despite being just 17 years old, Rigg has demonstrated an incredible amount of ability and attributes that no one else in their ranks can showcase.
Sunderland will undoubtedly have to succumb to his sale eventually and when they do, they should be holding out for a significantly bigger price than the £20 million Crystal Palace have been linked with.
An England youth international with every possibility of becoming a regular in the senior side, Rigg’s value is significantly higher to the Black Cats and failure to obtain that would be seen as poor business by the Wearsiders.
Borussia Dortmund are another club who have been linked with the teenager, with representatives at their game against Preston on Wednesday, 6 November as mentioned on Sky Sports Football coverage of the game.
In other Sunderland news, Dan Ballard has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the November international break despite having yet to return to the Sunderland side with an injury.
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