Everton battle Liverpool to sign Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg amid contract issue
Everton are set to go toe-to-toe with Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the race to sign Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg, according to the Sunday People [11 December, page 52].
The 15-year-old is already a frequent trainer with the Black Cats’ senior squad, who compete in the Championship, but he plays his matches for their Under-21 and Under-18 teams.
Rigg is still too young to sign professional terms at the Stadium of Light which has seen the Toffees, Liverpool and Newcastle United turn their eyes towards Wearside.
The England Under-17 international would only be able to sign on a scholarship deal when he turns 16 years of age but Sunderland would be left powerless to stop him leaving before then.
The Black Cats are concerned that he may ever sign those professional terms at the Stadium of Light due to the interest being shown in him from Premier League outfits.
Speed
With Rigg being so young, Everton have the chance to use his naivety as an advantage and beat out both Liverpool and Newcastle, as well as any other club, to his signature.
A more experienced player may be prepared to be patient and wait for every offer to hit their desk before making a decision but if Rigg dreams of a Premier League move, which every footballer does, then he may be tempted to jump at the first opportunity.
That means the Toffees have to make sure they are the first club banging on the door when they are allowed to make a move and force others to go the long way around.
It might not be the worst idea to get Frank Lampard to speak with him and perhaps twist his and his family’s arm into choosing Goodison Park over Anfield or St James’ Park.
The brand new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium may also be something that the club can use to entice him to Finch Farm and with so many clubs in the race, they might need every weapon in the armoury to secure his services.