Sunderland AFC and Chris Rigg transfer stances revealed ahead of January window | OneFootball

Sunderland's Chris Rigg is a wanted man ahead of the January window

The transfer stances of both Sunderland AFC and Chris Rigg have been clarified ahead of the January window, where interest is poised to arrive from the likes of Manchester United and fierce rivals Newcastle along with a host of top-flight suitors.

According to a recent report published by TBR Football, Sunderland are set to refuse to entertain any potential mid-season advances made following the turn of the year while the player in question is also content at the Stadium of Light for the time being.

A graduate of the Academy of Light, Rigg made his first-team breakthrough last season but has stepped up a notch following the summer appointment of Regis Le Bris, who has propelled the side into promotion contention while handing increased opportunities to young talent.

The 17-year-old prodigy has established himself as an ever-present in the Sunderland midfield alongside Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham, racking up 14 appearances - all but one of which have been starts - and finding the back of the net on three occasions.

At this moment in time, the Black Cats remain atop of the league table with nine wins from their opening 15 matches and are level on points with second-placed Sheffield United, who were struck with a two-point deduction before the start of the season, despite drawing each of their last three fixtures before this month's international break.

Sunderland currently have a strong chance at returning to the Premier League this season and that will undoubtedly boost their chances of retaining Rigg in the January window amid significant interest in his services from elsewhere.

Sunderland, Chris Rigg transfer stance revealed amid Man Utd and Newcastle interest

The aforementioned report from TBR Football claims that Sunderland have "made it clear" they don't intend on entertaining any forthcoming move for Rigg, who is primed to play a key role in their promotion bid all year long.

As you would expect, the fact that Sunderland find themselves in a genuine battle for promotion from the Championship means they're keen to avoid any significant sales and will be able to give themselves some sort of security for as long as they're challenging at the top-end of the table.

It's also added that they're not interested in undertaking any mid-season talks which would see Rigg officially leave upon the conclusion of the season. Crucially, though, the report additionally states that Rigg is "happy" to remain focused on Sunderland's promotion push and there is a fair chance he could end up staying at the club if they do indeed return to the top flight.

Of course, Rigg has been subjected to extensive reported transfer interest for quite some time now. According to reports, Man United are "determined" to sign the young talent, who has also earned interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and local rivals Newcastle.

Sunderland, Chris Rigg update is vital for promotion push

The latest developments surrounding the stances of both player and club are crucial for Sunderland's ambitions of gaining promotion this season.

You would think that the very last thing Le Bris needs in January is losing one of his best players - they could do without that disruption, and the best outcome would be simply fine-tuning the squad with a couple of acquisitions instead of having to worry about star-turns being prized away.

At this stage of the season, Sunderland just don't need any distractions whatsoever and this development should put them at ease until at least the end of the campaign, where, admittedly, their chances of retaining him will lessen, especially if they fall short of achieving promotion to the top-flight.