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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg, with the teenager also the subject of interest from other Premier League clubs.
What’s the word?
The Sun revealed in September that the Magpies were looking to poach the 15-year-old from their bitter rivals, with the report suggesting that Eddie Howe’s side were plotting a £2.5m bid for the promising midfielder.
The report outlined that, although the Black Cats are ‘desperate’ to keep hold of their academy starlet, they could well be forced into a sale due to the sheer demand from rival suitors, with Liverpool currently said to be leading the race for his signature.
Speaking with Football FanCast, Pete O’Rourke has provided his verdict on the youngster amid that interest from the St James’ Park outfit, with the journalist stating that potentially securing such a highly-coveted asset could be a real coup for the Tyneside club.
He stated: “Yeah, he’s a very highly-rated young player – an England youth international – and a number of top Premier League clubs are trying to lure him away from Sunderland.
“So if Newcastle could win the race for him, it just wouldn’t be for the bragging rights. It would be for a player with huge potential for the future”.
Howe’s next Almiron
There is such intense clamour for the playmaker’s services due to his eye-catching rise at the Stadium of Light in recent times, with the precocious talent having already stormed up the age groups of late despite his tender years.
The exciting Englishman has been rewarded for his “sensational” form at U15 level – in the words of journalist Phil Smith, with a place in the club’s U21 side, having already made three appearances at Premier League 2 level so far this term.
Prior to that recent promotion, the teenage sensation had also scored twice and recorded four assists in just 12 games for the Black Cats’ U18s, including two assists in three games at that age group this season.
Despite not turning 16 until next June, Rigg has been regularly involved with the Sunderland first-team setup under Tony Mowbray of late, having even been included in the travelling party for the clash against Birmingham City last month, albeit without earning a place in the matchday squad.
The emerging wonderkid has proven to be a real potent threat in his attacking midfield berth and on the flanks, with that creativity and versatility potentially set to see him prove a perfect heir to Miguel Almiron in Howe’s side.
The Paraguay international – who is also able to feature in a midfield role as well as out wide – has enjoyed a stunning start to the current campaign, scoring eight goals in just 15 Premier League games so far this term.
The former Atlanta United ace has been a player transformed under Howe of late after previously being tipped for an exit over the summer, with the 28-year-old having since been lauded for his “incredible” impact by club legend Alan Shearer.
With it looking as if the former Bournemouth boss is currently getting the best out of the playmaker, the 44-year-old could well look to emulate that feat if Rigg were to be snapped up in the near future, with the latter another sparkling asset who can impact play in the final third.
It may well be a controversial move if Newcastle are to poach the midfield maestro from their long-time foes, but as O’Rourke stated, he is clearly a player of ‘huge potential’.
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