“Amazing” Sunderland player will probably leave even if they go up, claims journalist
Real Madrid have been “heavily” scouting one of Sunderland’s star players ahead of a potential summer move, according to a new report.
Sunderland braced for interest in young stars as Le Bris prepares for playoffs
With the Championship season now nearing its conclusion, Sunderland are, barring an almighty slip-up, almost all but guaranteed a spot in the play-offs. Currently sitting in fourth place, Regis Le Bris’ side are well ahead of the sides below them, including Coventry, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City.
Automatic promotion, however, while not totally out of the question, will be a push for the Black Cats, with Burnley, Sheffield United, and Leeds United all seemingly picking up steam in recent weeks while Sunderland ran out of it.
Earlier this week, Sunderland midfielders Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg were named join-best young men’s player at the North East Football Writer’s awards for their performances this season at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking with BBC Radio Newcastle in light of the awards, former Black Cats defender Darren Williams heaped particular praise on Bellingham, whose performances this year have seen him linked with some of Europe’s top clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, the former club of his older brother, Jude.
“Last season, I said I don’t think Jobe’s work rate was there, but this season he’s changed that. He’s been a massive, massive part of this season,” Williams said. “The two lads, they stand out. They’re amazing talents and obviously got a bright future.”
Real Madrid among huge clubs scouting Sunderland star
It isn’t just Bellingham who is being linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light. According to Sunderland AFC News, Rigg, who is just 17, is being scouted by some huge clubs, namely Real Madrid.
Speaking to the publication, transfer expert Graeme Bailey described Rigg, who has already made over half a century of appearances for Sunderland, as a “generational talent”. He revealed that he will have his pick of clubs come the end of the season whether they go up or not, as Madrid chiefs such as Florentino Perez “love” and “want” him.
“He has his future in his own hands, if he wants his next club to be Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United or Newcastle United – it’s going to be his call.
“All those clubs I mentioned have scouted him heavily, they love him and want him. Rigg is letting his people take care of the interest but even if Sunderland go up, it will be very hard for them to keep him.”
Aside from Manchester United, a host of other Premier League clubs are also understood to be interested in Rigg.
Scouts from Chelsea have reportedly been closely monitoring the attacking midfielder’s development and have even sent scouts to watch him play on three separate occasions, against Leeds United, Hull City and Luton Town. Brighton, Arsenal and Wolves are also said to be keeping an eye on English youngster.
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