Liverpool are currently leading the race for highly-rated Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
That’s according to The Daily Star, who claim that the Reds are heading up the fairly lengthy queue to sign the 15-year-old.
As well as Liverpool, Newcastle United and Everton are said to be trying to convince Rigg to join them. This comes as Sunderland reportedly grow ‘concerned’ that he won’t sign professional terms at the club.
All three of the interested teams are said to have sent scouts to watch the teenager play this season. Rigg is claimed to have performed ‘impressively’ at U21 level, despite it being well ahead of his age group.
This has led to the youngster being invited to train with Tony Mowbray’s first team on a regular basis this campaign.
Although the prospect of first team football has been tantalised, Sunderland are reportedly aware that they face a ‘big struggle’ to keep Rigg. As the captain of England U16s he is very highly regarded. However, it’s claimed that any buyer would pay just £2.5m to sign him next summer.
Liverpool looking to continue recruitment hot-streak
Liverpool are currently floundering in the market for a first team midfielder. So, at least it’s good to hear of work still being done toward improving the position in the academy.
In time, maybe Rigg will be of a level to play first team football for Liverpool.
That day is obviously still a way off yet. But as the Reds recent academy recruitment has shown, they do have an eye for emerging British talent.
Ben Doak looks like being one of the best pick-ups of recent times. Already bursting onto the senior scene at just sixteen, he has a big future ahead of him.
Fellow summer recruit Trent Kone-Doherty also looks to have been a smart piece of scouting. Impressing for the underage sides, perhaps we’ll see him in the seniors yet this season.
Before that the likes of Harvey Elliott and Kaide Gordon have also been convinced to join Liverpool from Fulham and Derby County respectively. So, when Liverpool go after a young player like Rigg, they don’t seem to miss. Not to put undue pressure on anyone, but that’s reason enough to get excited about this kid.
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