Journalist James Copley believes that Chris Rigg could be swayed to join Newcastle United because of his family ties with the club.
It has been reported in recent times that Newcastle are once again looking towards the future this month having been linked with a move for youngster Chris Rigg who made his first-team debut on the weekend.
The big talking point, however, is that he plays for Sunderland so it will be a difficult choice or the youngster to make, does he stay with the club that’s offered him first-team football or jump for the glitz and glamour of the Premier League?
Rigg is obviously under 16 so Newcastle wouldn’t have to be a transfer fee to Sunderland, although the Black Cats would be handed a minimal fee from a tribunal because of his age and the fact they’ve developed him.
Copley, who mainly covers Sunderland, has admitted on The Roar podcast Rigg could join the Magpies because his Dad is said to be a huge Newcastle fan, which could see him pushed to Tyneside.
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He said: (6:15) “We do know that Chris Rigg comes from a sort of mixed family in terms of Sunderland and Newcastle allegiances. I understand that his Dad is a big Newcastle fan so there’s always that sort of possibility and draw.”
TIF Thoughts on Riggs’ future…
It would be a huge signal of intent for Newcastle to land someone that has already played first-team football at the tender age of 15 and also the captain of England’s U16 side, although it will certainly be a delicate situation because of his age.
Something that could work against Newcastle is that as things and, there doesn’t appear to be a clear pathway into the first team for young players with Elliot Anderson a prime example of someone getting spoken up by Eddie Howe only to then hand him just 96 league minutes this season.
However, if Rigg does indeed have allegiances to Newcastle through his Dad and other family members he may well see this as the perfect time to join given the journey they are on under PIF and certainly miles ahead of Sunderland in terms of the footballing pyramid.