Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg is reportedly set to sign a two-year scholarship at the Academy of Light. That's according to The Athletic, who claim the Black Cats have convinced the youngster to stay at the club, despite interest from Newcastle United and Manchester United.
The sought after teenager turned 16 just last week and left school earlier this year. Rigg made his first-team debut at just 15-years-old with Tony Mowbray throwing him in the deep end in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town.
The Black Cats scored two late goals with Rigg on the pitch to set up a clash with Premier League side Fulham. Rigg came off the bench in the draw at Craven Cottage but thought he'd scored a late winner, which was ruled out for offside.
Mowbray has spoken at length about Rigg's talent and how he had his place in the first-team on merit. The England youth international has played a number of years ahead of himself in the Black Cats youth set-up.
READ MORE: Key date for Sunderland in Chris Rigg contract talks after breakthrough campaign
Sunderland have seemingly done enough to convince the Hebburn born teenager that the Stadium of Light is the right place for his development - a huge boost given the loss of promising talents in recent years. The non-contract system for Under-16s means it's difficult for clubs to keep young talents at the club, as red and white supporters know all too well.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' arrival at the Stadium of Light has seen a concerted effort into protecting young talent at the club, while also investing in young talent for the future. Kristkjaan Speakman and Sunderland have signed Jobe Bellingham (17), Luis Semedo (19), Nectarios Triantis (20) and Jenson Seelt (20) in the lead up to the 2023-24 Championship campaign.
The Black Cats were one of the youngest squads in the division last season and defied the odds to finish in the top-six, only to be beaten by eventual play-off winners Luton Town. Rigg is one of a number of players looking to break into the first-team set-up next season after reporting for pre-season at the Academy of Light on Monday, June 26.
