Manchester United and Newcastle look set to miss out on signing Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg, it has been claimed.
Rigg, 16, made his first-team debut for Sunderland in January, becoming the club's youngest ever outfield player.
The creative midfielder also featured against Fulham in the FA Cup in February, coming off the bench to score what looked to be the winner, only for it to be chalked off for offside.
Advert
In turn, he has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League, with arch rivals Newcastle and Manchester United emerging as frontrunners to land the teenager's signature.
Last season, he was expected to leave Wearside in favour of a move to the top-flight. However, Erik ten Hag and Eddie Howe now look set to miss out on the England Under-17 international..
Rigg 'set to reject' Premier League move
Advert
Rigg, who has now left school, looks destined to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham's younger brother, Jobe Bellingham, and sign a fresh deal with Sunderland, according to The Athletic.
The report states that Rigg "was at the Academy of Light on Monday morning with all other returning Sunderland players and there is confidence within the club that he will stay and try to work his way into Tony Mowbray’s first-team plans."
Indeed, The Stadium of Light is becoming quite the breeding ground for talented youngsters, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo enjoying an excellent loan spell at the north east club last term.
The Ivorian notched 14 goals in 43 matches across all competitions, providing a further four assists.
Advert
Unfortunately the Black Cats they missed out on promotion to the Premier League despite making the play-offs in their first season back in the Championship.
They lost out to eventual play-off final winner Luton Town, and will be hoping to go one better next season and book their place in the top-flight.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Manchester United, Sunderland, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Newcastle United, EFL Championship