"No guarantee" - Pundit reveals potential Chris Rigg issue for Sunderland as Man Utd lurk | OneFootball

The midfielder will be eligible to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17, with the Black Cats keen to tie him down to a deal.

However, according to The Northern Echo, Manchester United are set to make an approach to try and convince him to make the switch to Old Trafford instead.

The likes of Arsenal and rivals Newcastle United have also been mentioned as potential destinations, as well as European giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

If Rigg departs then Sunderland will be due a compensation fee, but the Wearside outfit would rather hold onto one of their most exciting academy graduates.

Carlton Palmer gives Chris Rigg transfer verdict

Carlton Palmer has warned that no deal for Rigg will be certain until pen is put to paper on his 17th birthday next month.

He has claimed it would be a shame for the club to lose one of their most exciting young talents, especially as he could become so much more valuable than any compensation fee they would receive for his departure this summer.

“Chris Rigg, Sunderland’s teen sensation, came on against Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the season, that was his 21st appearance for the club in the league, 24 in all competitions,” Palmer told Football League World.

“Chris is 16, and his birthday is in June when he will be able to sign his first professional contract.

“It is believed that a deal in principle is agreed with Sunderland.

“However, until that contract is signed, there is no guarantee that Rigg will stay at the club.

“So, the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund are interested in the player, along with several top Premier League clubs.

“Newcastle are said to be very, very keen on the signature of Chris Rigg.

“Obviously for Sunderland supporters they would rather see him go to Dortmund or Leverkusen, rather than going to their near neighbours and rivals Newcastle.

“Sunderland obviously would like to see him sign, this would be a shame [if he didn’t].

“I know, at his age, they would receive compensation for him but nowhere near in the manner they would do later on [in his career].”

Palmer raises key Sunderland issue in Rigg contract talks

Palmer highlighted the lack of a head coach appointment as a potential stumbling block to Sunderland’s attempts to hold onto Rigg long-term.

“At the moment the uncertainty of not having a manager [is an issue] because, at the end of the day that’s part and parcel of signing a new contract, you want to know if you’re getting first team football,” he added.

“But the one thing you can say about Sunderland is, if Chris Rigg stays at Sunderland, you know that with the way the club is run, he’s going to get that opportunity to play first team football.

“And that’s what he needs to do, he needs to play first team football, he needs to continue his education and then there’s the chance of that big-money move.

“We’ll have to wait and see.

“Sunderland are very confident that he’ll sign a new contract.

“There is a contract in place, he just can’t sign it until he’s 17.”

First team chances will be key to keeping Rigg

Not many clubs could offer Rigg the chance to regularly compete at senior level like Sunderland can.

The 21 league appearances he earned this year could prove key to keeping him at the club long-term, as that shows he is part of their first team plans already.

A move to Newcastle or Man United would likely see him move to their respective academy sides, which Rigg could have no interest in at this stage of his career now.

The 16-year-old already has two league goals in the Championship, and has looked comfortable when playing, so he should prioritise staying with Sunderland and continuing his development with regular senior game time.