Carlton Palmer now says Chris Rigg will not sign for Newcastle United after leaving Sunderland

Newcastle United have long been interested in Sunderland's young wonderkid Chris Rigg and as the 17-year-old continues to shine in the Championship.

Rigg is doing the business for Sunderland in the Championship and, as a result, is starting to attract a lot of attention from big clubs.

He has been on Newcastle's radar for a while, ever since he opted to join the Mackems' academy rather than sign for the club he's supported all his life.

Rigg saw a quicker path to first-team football at Sunderland, which has indeed proved to be the case, but Newcastle have kept an eye on his progress.

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Carlton Palmer doesn't believe Newcastle will be able to sign Chris Rigg

Now former England international Carlton Palmer has spoken about Chris Rigg to Football League World and he believes that a move to Newcastle isn't on the cards for Rigg.

“I know some Sunderland fans would see that as a betrayal, but Newcastle are going really well under Eddie Howe. He’s done a fantastic job.

“Newcastle have been chasing Chris Rigg for a long time. They were interested in getting him before he signed his first professional contract at Sunderland.

“For me, he is the outstanding youngster in the Championship.

“No disrespect to Newcastle United, but Chris Rigg will be bound for a top club either in the UK or in Europe.

“So, (playing for Newcastle) 'in the future' could mean way, way down the line in the future.

“I think he’s destined for the top of the game, if he continues to make the progress and the strides that he is doing.

“You never know, if Newcastle come up with the money, but have they got that type of money to come up with now? 50 or 60 million pounds for a player?

“He’d certainly go straight into the first team, and the development would go on.

“When you play for any club, and then go to a club that are their rivals, then of course the supporters aren’t going to be happy - I don’t see that happening with Rigg in the near future.”

Chris Rigg isn't going to turn down the chance to play Champions League football with Newcastle

Sunderland fans are well aware that Rigg is a Newcastle supporter, so as much as it would stick in their throat if he did join the Magpies, I don't think they'd be shocked by his decision.

As for Newcastle not being one of Europe's 'top' clubs - Champions League football is a real possibility again this season despite a rough start, it doesn't get much better than that. Yes, a run in the competition and qualifying for it on a regular basis would see Newcastle's standing increase, but that's exactly where we're heading.

If Newcastle brings Champions League football back to the North East again, we don't see Chris Rigg turning down the opportunity should it arise. So we're not sure we agree with Palmer here.