West Ham can expect to face stiff competition in the pursuit of Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg. That’s the latest from emerging reports that the Hammers may not have an entirely uncontested run at signing the talented trickster.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has already made 40 appearances and scored four goals for the Black Cats, who currently sit fourth in the Championship table. Whilst those numbers might not be earth-shattering, Rigg’s talent and maturity on the ball have caught the attention of several Premier League clubs — including Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
Reports suggest former West Ham boss David Moyes has been impressed by the teenager. While that may be true, it’s hard to imagine Moyesie sanctioning a large chunk of Everton’s limited transfer budget on a £20m prospect with no top-flight experience.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have a proven track record of gambling on young talent — as recently demonstrated by their big-money move for Archie Gray from Leeds United.
West Ham are believed to be front-runners in the race for Rigg, with manager Graham Potter understood to be an admirer of the teenager’s who has shone in the media shadow created by Jobe Bellingham this season.
Why are we so interested in Chris Rigg when Freddie Potts and George Earthy are both returning from highly successful loan spells at Portsmouth and Bristol City? Furthermore we have Lewis Orford who is at West Ham and excelling for the Under 21s, yet cannot get a game for the first team under Potter.
Have we not already got our own version of Chris Rigg………aka George Earthy?