Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg 'set to reject Man Utd and Newcastle'

Rigg, 16, made his first-team debut for Sunderland in January, becoming the club's youngest ever outfield player.

The creative midfielder also featured against Fulham in the FA Cup in February, coming off the bench to score what looked to be the winner, only for it to be chalked off for offside.

In turn, he has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League, with arch rivals Newcastle and Manchester United emerging as frontrunners to land the teenager's signature.

Last season, he was expected to leave Wearside in favour of a move to the top-flight. However, Erik ten Hag and Eddie Howe now look set to miss out on the England Under-17 international..

Rigg, who has now left school, looks destined to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham's younger brother, Jobe Bellingham, and sign a fresh deal with Sunderland, according to The Athletic.

Indeed, The Stadium of Light is becoming quite the breeding ground for talented youngsters, with Manchester United winger Amad Diallo enjoying an excellent loan spell at the north east club last term.