Club statement confirms new contract for Newcastle United & Manchester United target

Sunderland have confirmed Chris Rigg is remaining on Wearside, despite interest from Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Manchester United.

Rigg, whose Dad is a Newcastle fan, became the Black Cats’ youngest-ever outfield player when he made an FA Cup appearance aged 15 years and 203 days against Shrewsbury Town in January.

Hebburn-born Rigg featured twice against Fulham in the same competition and was set to be handed further first-team opportunities before picking up an injury at the back end of last season.

Multiple sources had suggested the 16-year-old would swap Wearside for Tyneside this summer Sunderland have announced Rigg has signed a two-year scholarship deal.

A club statement read: “Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the latest intake of scholars ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

“Nine players have put pen to paper on a two-year scholarship deal to form part of Adam Asghar’s side for the upcoming Under-18 Premier League season.

Aaron Chung, Ben Kindon, Ben Metcalf, Chris Rigg, Daniel Parker, Jack Whittaker, Jaydon Jones, Matthew Young and Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi have all signed new contracts.”

Robin Nicholls, academy manager at Sunderland, added: “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.”

Newcastle have been on the lookout for emerging talent since Dan Ashworth joined as sporting director last summer.

Charlie McArthur and Alex Murphy were among the standout names to join the academy last year from Kilmarnock and Galway United, respectively.

In January, Australian international Garang Kuol joined from Central Coast Mariners, while Yankuba Minteh’s move from Danish outfit Odense Boldklub was confirmed last month.