Liverpool put on alert as Sunderland prepare to sell £25m player

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Liverpool have been on the lookout for a new midfielder since last summer.

The number six position was an area Arne Slot was keen to strengthen in his squad but that never came to fruition.

Liverpool pursued Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, however, the Spanish star would turn down a move to Anfield in order to remain in La Liga for another season.

The Reds would have likely been interested in the Euro 2024 winner again this summer, but Zubimendi has opted to join Arsenal for the 2025/26 campaign.

Luckily for Liverpool, Slot has brought the best out of Ryan Gravenberch with the Dutch star developing into one of the Merseyside club’s best players in his new number six role.

The 22-year-old has saved the Premier League leaders millions as they don’t have to go out and sign an established star.

A young talent who has time to develop behind the Netherlands international would be the best approach for Liverpool and the Reds may have found their man.

• READ MORE: Gary Lineker reveals what Arne Slot recently told him about Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch

Sunderland’s Chris Rigg available for just £25m

Chris Rigg is a name that is becoming well-known in the Championship as the 17-year-old continues to shine for Sunderland.

The Black Cats are currently pushing for a return to the Premier League and the midfielder has played a big role in their success this season having featured in 26 league matches, scoring four goals and assisting another.

This has seen Rigg attract a lot of attention with several Premier League clubs attentive to the English talent’s development.

According to CaughtOffside, the Sunderland star could be available for just £25m during the summer transfer window with Liverpool, Arsenal and Man United all taking an interest in the youngster.

The interest doesn’t stop there as the report states that Chelsea, Man City, Brighton, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are all being viewed as potential suitors for the 17-year-old star as Sunderland are believed to be willing to sell the midfielder for a big fee at the end of the season.

This is a situation Liverpool should pounce on as it is a deal that makes perfect sense for the Merseyside club to get done.

• READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk’s former teammate Jose Fonte suggests Liverpool captain has three top clubs all keen to sign him

Do Liverpool need Sunderland star Chris Rigg?

Although Rigg seems like the perfect signing for Liverpool, there is also an argument that the Reds save that money and promote one of their youngsters to the role.

Arne Slot has been impressed with James McConnell after recent displays and that could provide the 20-year-old with a platform to kick on next season.

That is a decision the board at Liverpool will need to make very soon due to the fact that several clubs are pursuing Rigg and will be doing work behind the scenes to get a deal done during the summer.

The Sunderland star ticks all the boxes for a Liverpool transfer but it remains to be seen if an official move will be made by the Merseyside club over the coming months.