17-year-old Sunderland star set to sign first professional contract amid Newcastle United transfer links

Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg turns 17 today and is officially eligible to sign a professional contract, Newcastle United are thought to be very interested in poaching the midfielder.

Rigg has taken the Football League by storm since making his debut in the FA Cup in January 2023 at just 15 years old.

The Hebburn-born midfielder has attracted interest from all over Europe, with the likes of Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund among those interested in signing Rigg.

Reports suggest that Sunderland have agreed a deal to keep Rigg at the club, but nothing has been announced yet.

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Rigg has his connections to Newcastle United despite being a Sunderland player.

Although it has never been confirmed which allegiance Rigg has, being from Hebburn he has a mix of Sunderland and Newcastle fans in his family leading many fans to speculate who he truly supports.

The 17-year-old pleased former Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray ahead of his debut, admitting he was "really impressive".

Rigg has played 21 games for Sunderland since 2023, he became the club's youngest-ever goalscorer after netting in a 5-0 win against Southampton last September.

Rigg is waiting to see who Sunderland's new head coach is before deciding his future.

Sunderland has had a torrid time regarding managerial appointments over the last 12 months.

After dismissing Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale was appointed but left the club after three months in charge.

Caretaker head coach Mike Dodds oversaw the side until the end of the season but now attention has turned to appointing a permanent manager.

Names such as Will Still, Liam Rosenier and Paul Heckingbottom have been considered but an appointment is still yet to be made.

According to The Sunderland Echo, Rigg is still yet to decide his future due to the lengthy managerial hunt which has now broken past the 100-day mark.