Everton could poach £1m-rated 14-year-old wonderkid from Newcastle’s grasp

Everton are battling with Newcastle to sign 14-year-old wonderkid Chris Rigg from Sunderland, with the youngster already valued at £1million by the Black Cats.

Although Everton and Newcastle are both looking for quick fixes in the short-term to aid their progression, they're also both investing in their future too, and Rigg is one of the most promising youngsters in England. He's rated that highly, that Sunderland have already slapped a £1m price-tag on him.

Despite playing for Sunderland, Rigg comes from a big family of Newcastle supporters, and it is thought that the Magpies are keen on taking the 14-year-old from their bitter rivals. But Everton could hijack the move, offering him a move to Merseyside instead.

Rigg has already been thrusted into Sunderland's under-18 side even at the tender age of 14, and has two goals and one assist in seven U18 Premier League games this season. Experts have suggested that he is the best talent in the country for his age, and it's because of this that there is Premier League interest.

The Sun have reported that Everton are looking to poach the youngster from Newcastle's grasp, and the prospect of working under Frank Lampard may be enough to entice Rigg into a move. But not if Newcastle have their say, and it could be a dream move for Rigg and his family.

Rigg is the latest talent to emerge from the Sunderland youth academy, as Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson have both gone on to become stars since coming through their ranks. Henderson went on to move to Liverpool in a deal worth £16m, and Pickford signed for Everton as they paid £22.5m for his services.

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Through Pickford's deal, the relationship is already there, and it's likely that Sunderland will not want to hand their rivals one of the most talented youngsters in the country. The Black Cats are already reluctant to let him go, but they may be overpowered by the Premier League interest.

Sunderland are on the cusp of the play-offs in League One, and will be hoping that a promotion may boost their chances of keeping Rigg in their ranks. Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League in 2017, and have since found themselves in the third tier of English football.

But they're slowly making a comeback, as former Premier League sides Charlton, Wigan and Portsmouth are also scrapping for points in League 1. Wigan are strong favourites to win the division, and Sunderland will be hoping to clinch a play-off spot with four games to go.

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