Newcastle United ‘closing in’ on Sunderland starlet for ‘very small compensation’ - Man Utd and Chelsea linked

The January transfer window is close to reaching the halfway stage and pressure is starting to build on clubs across the country to get any deals done.

Newcastle United are preparing for their next Premier League fixture which comes on Sunday, at home to Fulham. Meanwhile, although they have yet to complete any major deals in this window, the North East club continues to be linked with multiple players including both potential first team stars and future prospects.

One player who, according to reports, could be set to rebuff interest from Premier League rivals in favour of a move to St James’ Park is Sunderland’s teenage sensation Chris Rigg. The midfielder made his debut for the Black Cats earlier this month in their FA Cup ties with Shrewsbury Town and is currently just 15-years old.

According to Football Fan Cast, who quote ‘insider’ Graeme Bailey, there are several Premier League sides interested in the teenager but Newcastle looks like the most likely destination. Although Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all credited with an interest it is said that ‘avid Geordie’ Rigg is going to be heading to St James’ Park for ‘very small compensation’.

A quote by Bailey from the Talking Transfers podcast said: “He’s a fabulous prospect. Again this is a player who Chelsea like but it’s a player who Man United like, Man City, he’s got his choice of clubs in England. But being the avid Geordie he is, we think he’s gonna be heading to Newcastle for a very small compensation.”

Rigg became Sunderland’s second youngest player and youngest ever outfield player when he made his debut in their third round FA Cup tie earlier this month. The 15-year old has also previously been named on the bench for EFL Championship fixtures but has yet to make an appearance for Newcastel’s fiercest rivals.

The midfielder is from the town of Hebburn and is a Newcastle United supporter but has beena player with Sunderland since primary school. At international level, Rigg has won caps for England at Under 15, Under 16 and Under 17 level so far.