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Sunderland chief responds to speculation around in-demand star as West Brom target Stoke hero
The latest transfer updates from Portsmouth’s Championship rivals – including headlines from Sunderland, West Brom and Stoke City
Sunderland’s teenage sensation Chris Rigg has been turning heads this season after a string of impressive performances for the table-topping side.
The 17-year-old has scored twice in nine Championship matches from midfield, matching the tally of two in 21 that he managed in his breakout campaign last term.
Rigg is seen as one of the club’s prize assets after his rapid rise to prominence. He is seen as a player with a high ceiling in terms of potential and already the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United are believed to be circling around the Hebburn born youngster.
Sunderland fans will be keen for the star to stay as long as possible, but in a frank admission sporting director Kristjaan Speakman hinted that a sale could take place in January if they were to receive a suitable offer.
He told the Second Tier podcast: “I’m really, really pleased for him, and hopefully that gives a good inspiration to the other players in our academy system that when given the opportunities there, they’ll be given time on the pitch.”
When discussing transfer speculation around Rigg, he added: “The interest is always a backhanded compliment. Would we rather have a team full of talent where everyone is talking about buying and trading our players, or would we rather have a group that no one’s really interested in?
