Sunderland would reportedly want as much as £30m for teenage star Chris Rigg next year amid suggestions that a number of high-profile clubs are keen to secure his signature.
The 17-year-old made three FA Cup appearances for the Black Cats during the 2022-23 campaign before featuring on 22 occasions in all competitions last term, as he made the first-team breakthrough at the Stadium of Light.
Rigg has carried his impressive form into this season, scoring three times in 13 Championship appearances, and it is understood that he is on the radar of a number of major clubs due to his development.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all interested in the teenager, but Sunderland have signalled that he would only be allowed to leave for a fee somewhere between £20m and £30m.
The report claims that Sunderland are 'doing everything they can' to keep Rigg, but the Black Cats have set a realistic valuation, with the club bracing themselves for offers during next summer's transfer window.
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Sunderland 'value Rigg somewhere between £20m and £30m'
Man United scouts are believed to have branded Rigg 'the next Roy Keane' due to his all-action performances, and the Red Devils are said to have been in touch last summer to first register their interest.
Sunderland are currently top of the Championship table, five points ahead of second-placed Burnley, with Rigg potentially becoming a Premier League player with the Black Cats next season.
However, it has been suggested that the teenager will be on the move during next summer's transfer window even if his club are able to secure a return to England's top flight for the 2025-26 campaign.
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Why is there so much interest in Rigg?
To have made 38 appearances for Sunderland's first team at the age of 17 is highly impressive, and the fact that he is playing regularly in midfield in the Championship at this stage of his career says a lot about his quality and temperament.
Rigg is also an England Under-18s international, while he captained the Under-17s during the Under-17s European Championship earlier this year, helping the team to reach the quarter-finals.
The youngster has shown leadership qualities in the early stages of his career, and with new Man United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to bring the best young talent to Old Trafford, he could potentially make the switch to the 20-time English champions in the near future.
However, both Chelsea and Real Madrid are also said to be firmly in the running for his signature.
Matt Law
