West Ham ready Chris Rigg move in £10m Sunderland exit update
Sunderland have several top young talents within their squad, but clubs are already readying moves to poach them from the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats are pushing for promotion to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, and, should they reach the top flight, they will hope that a number of key players remain at the club.
Dennis Cirkin and Dan Neil are two players whose futures may depend on promotion, but even if Sunderland go up, there is still further interest in a number of other stars.
Teenage sensation Chris Rigg is among those attracting interest and Sunderland will face a battle to keep him even if promotion from the Championship is achieved.
West Ham preparing move for Sunderland star Chris Rigg
Sunderland are bracing themselves for a chaotic summer transfer window, and other clubs are already laying the groundwork as West Ham step up their interest in Rigg.
According to The Sun on Sunday (page 55, March 23), West Ham are ready to move for Rigg if Sunderland do not achieve promotion.
| Stat | Chris Rigg |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |
The 17-year-old is keen on playing in the top flight, and it seems inevitable that Rigg will be a Premier League player next season, either at Sunderland or elsewhere.
Sunderland are looking for a fee of around £20m, but West Ham reportedly value him closer to the £10m mark.
Rigg would be keen on a move to the Premier League in order to boost his International prospects, having lost his England under-19 starting spot to Newcastle’s Lewis Miley and Fulham’s Joshua King.
Sunderland need Premier League promotion to keep Chris Rigg
Rigg has been a key player for Sunderland this season under Regis Le Bris, making 36 appearances in all competitions and scoring four goals.
The 17-year-old has already made 61 senior appearances, and has a lot of experience for such a young player, and clubs clearly believe he is ready to make the step up to the top-flight.
If Sunderland fails in their promotion bid, they will fail to keep Rigg, and they will find themselves in a weaker negotiating position over his price tag.
If Sunderland go up, there is no guarantee that Rigg will stay, but they will have a chance of keeping him, or commanding a higher fee for one of their best talents.