Reds among teams chasing Sunderland’s Chris Rigg

Liverpool have been named among the Premier League sides tracking Sunderland teenage sensation Chris Rigg.

The 17-year-old midfielder made a decisive breakthrough for the Sunderland first team last season, appearing in each of the Black Cats’ last 13 Championship games of the season.

He captained England at the recent UEFA European Under-17 Championships, where the Three Lions were beaten on penalties by eventual champions Italy in the quarter-finals.

Rigg has already represented England under 18s and is very well set for a career at the highest level.

Liverpool have therefore been mentioned as an elite side eyeing Rigg’s development, with his current contract expiring in 2025.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Sunderland’s local rivals Newcastle are also in the running for Rigg’s signature, according to a report from HITC.

However, the home-grown prospect is poised to disappoint suitors by committing to a new deal with Sunderland that will extend his terms well beyond 2025.

The North East side, now coached by Regis Le Bris, will therefore enjoy their star youth academy product for a while longer.

Rigg only turned 17 in June but made his debut as early as January 2023 in an FA Cup match against Shrewsbury. He had to wait a little longer for regular involvement under then manager Tony Mowbray, but he hasn’t looked back since making the grade.

The first sides to recruit academy talent

He played in 23 second-tier games last season, scoring twice, attracting the attention of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Rigg is already Sunderland’s youngest goalscorer as well as the youngest goalscorer in EFL Cup history.

Chelsea have been stocking up on academy talent of late with a pair of highly-rated 18-year-olds during this summer’s transfer window.

Marc Guiu, a striker, was added from Barcelona, ​​while Omari Kellyman came from Aston Villa.

Liverpool have also excelled at signing young talent from the UK, with the likes of Trey Nyoni and Ben Doak arriving in recent times.

Alvin Ayman is also expected to move to Merseyside this summer from Wolves, where he developed a stellar reputation through the youth ranks.

Meanwhile, Chelsea youth ace Ryan McAidoo has reportedly chosen Liverpool as his next destination.