Everton hold talks with Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg with Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham keen
Everton have held talks over a deal for 15-year-old Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg but are facing massive competition, 90min reports.
The Toffees are part of a wide group of Premier League sides all attempting to woo the teenage midfielder, who made his senior debut for the Black Cats in the FA Cup on Saturday (7 January), becoming the second-youngest first team player in the club’s history.
Tony Mowbray’s side reportedly “realise they are fighting a losing battle” to keep hold of the youngster but hope they can hold off an exit with immediate first-team action.
Merseyside rivals Liverpool have also been in contact, along with Chelsea, Tottenham, and both Manchester City and Manchester United.
However, despite being a Sunderland player it is North-East rivals Newcastle who are apparently at the front of the queue for Rigg, as his family are Magpies fans.
No decision has been made yet with the player not turning 16 until June, but Newcastle are “hopeful” of winning the race.
In-demand
Rigg clearly has plenty of talent if he currently has virtually the pick of the Premier League to make his next move, despite being on the brink of the senior side at promotion-chasing Sunderland.
A teenager with that many offers rarely stays where he is but it is not impossible that his development is seen to be in the best hands already.
Clearly Everton will be facing an uphill battle against so many top flight heavyweights, but Frank Lampard has a strong record with bringing through youngsters, going back to his time at Chelsea.
How long he remains in charge at Goodison Park is a valid question however, as worrying form in the league has dragged the club squarely into another relegation battle.
It sounds like the Toffees have done what they can in entering talks already, but the influence of a Newcastle-supporting family might be too strong for any of the other interested clubs to compete with.