Newcastle United have missed out on highly-rated Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg despite initial confidence that a deal could be struck for the 16-year-old. Rigg, who made his senior Black Cats debut in the FA Cup last season, this week signed a two-year scholarship deal at the Academy of Light.
Newcastle, along with Manchester United, tracked Rigg's progress across the water in recent months and were hopeful of persuading him to jump ship with a lucrative offer. However, the Hebburn-born midfielder, whose father is a Newcastle supporter, opted to stay put.
Chronicle Live understands Rigg was initially open to joining the Magpies but Sunderland have presented a pathway to the senior side for the teenager. The academy graduate wants first-team football and believes he will get that on Wearside in the coming months.
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Rigg impressed when promoted to the senior side last term and became Sunderland's youngster 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.
Rigg's scholarship offers Sunderland financial security and will likely see them earn a substantial transfer fee should the player decide to leave further down the line. Newcastle would have had to pay a compensation fee under the Elite Player Performance Plan had a move materialised this summer.
"I've no fear putting Chris Rigg on the pitch. I'm watching him in training today and to be honest you wish you could put that fire in his belly into some other players," Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray said of Rigg last season.
"He gets wellied right into everyone, he doesn't look at reputation. He gets stuck in, wins tackles. Why wouldn't you put him on the pitch?"
Newcastle are putting added emphasis on signing the best young talent from the UK and further afield. Dan Ashworth has led the charge of bolstering the youth setup on Tyneside with a number of exciting deals done in the last 12 months.
Newcastle secured the signing of Yankuba Minteh from Danish side Odense earlier this summer and are pushing hard for the signature of Kevin Zefi, 18, at Inter Milan.
