Liverpool leading chase for wonderkid Chris Rigg in £2.5m steal

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Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Sunderland star Chris Rigg, who is proving hot property. The 15-year-old is too young to sign a professional contract with the Black Cats, leaving the door open for top clubs to pounce.

Rigg has been linked with Newcastle, Everton and other Premier League clubs over the past few months. However, according to the Daily Star, Liverpool are at the front of the queue to secure his signature.

Sunderland are desperate to keep the teenage prospect but are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ that the prospect of playing for a top-flight club could see Rigg reject a professional contract with the club. If that is the case, it is believed that the England Under-17s international would fetch approximately £2.5million.

Rigg is believed to be one of the brightest prospects to play at the Academy of Light, as Jordan Henderson was during his time at the club. And Liverpool are hoping that Rigg, like Henderson did in 2011, will make the move to Anfield.

Rigg has been involved with Sunderland’s under-21s so far this season, with first-team manager Tony Mowbray consistently giving the midfielder opportunities to train with his squad. But his increased appearances are giving rival scouts an equal amount of openings to continue their reports.

Sunderland under-21 boss Graeme Morty spoke of Rigg last month, saying: “We have to make sure that first and foremost the messages are consistent for him so there is no confusion for him. We have to make sure that we individualise his programme because he’ll be on a different programme to his peers of a same age.

“We have to make sure that we get an appropriate level of challenge and support and we’re making sure as a club, not just me, but lots and lots of staff around him that he’s getting what he needs. He’s in a really good place and is getting good minutes in the 21s.

“We have to make sure that if he has any questions we are open and we’re transparent with him as to his development going forward. I think if you do that with a player I don’t think they can have any negative thoughts towards the programme we’re providing. He’s getting exposure to some new concepts, new learning and a new level of football which is all good to him.”

It remains to be seen whether Sunderland are able to keep hold of the top talent or if they are facing a losing battle due to interest from higher up the food chain.

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