The international break might be in full swing, but for Sunderland, there is still plenty to focus on back on Wearside.
With the Black Cats flying high at the top of the Championship, and with a number of their brightest stars reportedly attracting attention from a whole host of suitors, there is plenty of news doing the rounds at the Stadium of Light. With that in mind, here are a couple of the stories that you might have missed from the past day or two…
Rigg “destined” for big time
Former England international Carlton Palmer has claimed that Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg is the “most talented player in the Championship,” while also suggesting that the teenager is “destined” to play for one of the Premier League’s heaviest hitters.
The midfielder has made a massive impact on Wearside this term, and has so far scored three goals in 14 Championship outings. Understandably, his performances have attracted attention from a wide array of suitors, with recent reports claiming that Crystal Palace have joined the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in monitoring his progress.
But Palmer believes that if and when Rigg does leave the Stadium of Light, he should snub the Eagles for a more high-profile destination. Speaking to Football League World, he said: “For me, he’s the most talented player in the Championship, I think he’s going to have a fantastic future. Would you move to Crystal Palace at this moment in time? I would say hang fire a little bit. I know Crystal Palace are a good club, well run, but Sunderland are top of the league, he could get to the Premier League with Sunderland if they recruit well in the January transfer window, and maybe just get that bit of experience in the top flight before making that big move.
“He is destined to move to a big club. He’s destined to end up at Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal, or Liverpool. He’s the most talented player in the Championship, and he’s destined for great things. I’m not saying don’t go to Crystal Palace because he could go there and kick on to go to another big club. We’ve seen that happen before, but what he doesn’t want to do is make that move and not play at Palace when he is at Sunderland. If it were me, I’d bide my time and stay at Sunderland for at least this season and see where the situation is at the end of the season.”
Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund are said to be readying an offer for Sunderland starlet Jobe Bellingham. Like Rigg, the 19-year-old has caught the eye this season and is also understood to be garnering admiration from several prospective suitors—both English and continental.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, this could manifest itself in a bid of around £16.7 million from Dortmund, who previously signed Jobe’s elder brother, Jude, from Birmingham City. As per this latest update, the German giants believe that the Sunderland talent boasts a similar level of potential as his sibling and that he would represent “a piece that could strengthen their midfield in the coming years”.
