Sunderland have confirmed academy starlet Chris Rigg has signed a new deal on Wearside - despite interest from neighbours Newcastle United and Premier League giants Manchester United. The midfielder was included on a nine-strong list of youngsters who have accepted two-year scholarships with Sunderland and who will form the core of Adam Asghar's side for the upcoming U18 Premier League season.
Hebburn-born Rigg joined Sunderland's academy while at primary school and ha risen through the ranks, but could have left this summer after turning 16. A clutch of clubs have been monitoring the England youth international, including the Red Devils and Newcastle - with members of Rigg's family known to be fans of the Magpies.
But Rigg has already been given a taste of first-team football by Sunderland, becoming the club's youngest-ever outfield player when he made his debut at the age of 15 years and 203 days in the club's FA Cup third round tie at Shrewsbury Town in January. And he clearly feels that he will have more opportunities to play first-team football with the Black Cats than by moving to a Premier League side.
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Had Rigg left this summer, Sunderland would have received only minimal compensation under the Elite Player Performance Plan. As it is the next step will be for Sunderland to offer Rigg his first professional deal, which they can do when he turns 17 next June, and if at that stage he opts to move on - and if the clubs are unable to agree a financial package - the compensation would be set by a tribunal and the Black Cats would receive a much higher figure, with players in similar situations having attracted seven-figure valuations.
For now, though, Rigg will be looking to build on his progress last season after ending the campaign with three substitute appearances to his name in the FA Cup, and was an unused sub in Sunderland's Championship game at Blackpool on New Year's Day. The other players to have accepted scholarship deals are Aaron Chung, Ben Kindon, Ben Metcalf, Daniel Parker, Jack Whittaker, Jaydon Jones, Matthew Young and Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi.
Academy manager, Robin Nicholls said: "Although they have a long way to go, we are excited by the potential that the group have displayed both collectively and individually over several seasons now. They have regularly been one of the most exciting academy teams to watch and several have been recognised through selection for youth international squads.
"We are delighted to secure them as scholars with the club and look forward to seeing how they develop over the next few seasons."
