Sunderland: Regis Le Bris drops Premier League prediction on Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham as rumours swirl | OneFootball

The Sunderland boss has issued a message to his two most in-demand players

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has predicted that in-demand pair Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham could go on to play at Premier League and Champions League level amid ongoing rumours concerning their future.

The Black Cats are finally seeing real vindication for constructing a young, high-potential squad in recent years under the progressive model which has been spearheaded by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman.

At the time of writing, Sunderland occupy the league table's top spot after winning nine of their opening 15 matches. They're still tied on points with Sheffield United, who would be top had they not received a two-point deduction before the start of the season, and although each of the Black Cats' final three matches before the international break ended in a draw, the school of thought remains that something special could happen on Wearside this year.

Sunderland's early-season success has naturally handed increased exposure to the wealth of youthful talent at Le Bris' disposal, though, and it's no real surprise that they're seemingly going to have to fight off interest from elsewhere in the coming weeks and months.

Transfer interest in Sunderland AFC pair Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham

Two of Sunderland's key performers thus far this term have been plying their trades in the midfield engine room, with teenage duo Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham earning plaudits and interest alike.

Academy product Rigg, who only signed his first professional contract this summer, is reportedly of interest to Manchester United along with Arsenal, Liverpool and even bitter rivals Newcastle following an exhilarating breakthrough to the first-team fold over the last twelve months.

Still only 17, Rigg has appeared in all but one of his side's 15 second-tier matches, with the increased opportunities handed out by Le Bris enabling him to strike a tantalising midfield partnership with Bellingham.

Bellingham, who is two years Rigg's senior, has also grown in stature and importance this season. The former Birmingham City midfielder had played every single available league minute before receiving a three-match suspension for the red card he picked up in the 0-0 stalemate draw away to QPR on November 2, which means he'll serve the final game of his suspension by missing out on tomorrow's trip to Millwall.

According to a recent report from TBR Football, Bellingham is on the radar of Premier League duo Crystal Palace and West Ham United, while RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have also joined Marseille in keeping tabs.

It's believed that Sunderland have adopted an identical stance with the two players, neither of which they intend on listening to offers for before the end of the season. Uncertainty pertaining to their futures in the January window could provide instability and a distraction to Sunderland's promotion bid, and Le Bris has issued a message for the two starlets.

Regis Le Bris' Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham transfer message

Le Bris has encouraged Rigg and Bellingham to stay put and remain committed to the exciting project at the club for the time being at least. According to the Frenchman, the duo will see that the best immediate course of action for their development is simply staying on at the Stadium of Light.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Millwall, Le Bris said: "We are talking together every day, and with the owner as well, with Kyril.

"The question is not solved because we do not know what might happen in the future. It is not a subject that is on the table [currently] because that is not the reality of the situation. But I think with these players, they are involved in the project, and they know that they can improve in this team.

"So, from a personal perspective, it is good for them, and also to be part of this journey as well. It is rare to have this. Sometimes, you can go a whole career without having these elements – where you are in a club, you like that club, you are improving and you believe in a very interesting journey. I am confident for the future.

"I know the journey the players are on, but the environment is still complex. From a rational perspective, it is very clear, but sometimes you do not know what else in going on in the environment that a player is in. Sometimes, that can make them make another decision. I am sure other clubs are noticing the players we have, but it is better that way. It means you are doing well.

"I think it is important for them to be here until the challenge is not high enough for them,"

"Probably, when they feel that they need something more to develop, that should be the right moment to leave. But at the minute, for both players, I think they are still in the right zone for their career development. They need to play, and they need to learn. They need to learn about playing in a collective style, so for them, I think the culture we have here is still working for them. I think the graph of their learning is still going up at a good level."

Regis Le Bris' Premier League, UEFA Champions League prediction for Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham

Le Bris also lauded the talents of the gifted duo, both of whom he believes can eventually reach the highest stages of club football. Their potential would, at this stage, be the chief component in which top-flight clubs are recruiting.

It's unlikely that neither Rigg nor Bellingham will stay on Wearside for more than a couple of years from now, and if they do, then you will only imagine that something has gone wrong along the way. The potential upside for the pair in their careers is hugely exciting, though, leaving Le Bris, to predict they can play in the Premier League and even the UEFA Champions League, should all go according to plan.

He said: "The players are good - very good. I have worked with many, many players that have worked at the highest level. It is always a question of potential.