Everton to beat Manchester United to Chris Rigg signing as advantage emerges in new update

Everton currently hold a rather interesting advantage over Manchester United when it comes to the signing of Chris Rigg.

The 17-year-old midfield sensation has attracted attention from all over the globe since emerging in Sunderland's senior team last season, with his performances only improving since then.

He has started 11 of the Black Cats' league matches this term, scoring three goals and becoming a rather important player for manager Regis Le Bris, with Chris Mepham even saying he "defies his age" [Chronicle Live].

While many clubs are only just noticing the youngster, likely given Sunderland's league status over the last few seasons, the Toffees have tracking him for several years [Alan Nixon].

Man United are just one of the newest teams to enter the fray for Rigg, which should push the Merseyside club's hand in this situation, but they do hold a unique advantage.

Everton more likely to sign Chris Rigg than Manchester United?

The aforementioned "advantage" comes in the shape and size of shot-stopper Jordan Pickford, who is said to have handed insider knowledge to the staff at Goodison Park on Rigg [Graeme Bailey, 31 October].

Despite leaving the Stadium in Light in 2017, the 31-year-old still has relationships with those at Sunderland and could have a telling say on where their golden talent ends up next.

Pickford's career since leaving Sunderland should be evidence enough for the youngster, with nearly 300 Premier League appearances and 71 England caps to his name.

Of course, the bright lights of Old Trafford draw several players into playing for the Red Devils, but the chaos currently going on with Man United is surely destined to put him off.

If the Toffees are going to trust Pickford's view on Rigg, they will have to act quickly and put a bid in for him during the January transfer window. No other clubs are going to wait around.

Pickford is a shining example to Rigg of exactly why the move from Sunderland to Everton makes sense. Let's just hope the Toffees favourite puts in a good word ahead of the window opening.

In other Everton news, Kieran Maguire has shared an “unequivocal” view on whether the Toffees should face a new punishment.

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