"I keep hearing" - Everton tipped to beat Man Utd to Sunderland AFC transfer agreement | OneFootball

Chris Rigg's future at Sunderland has been the subject of speculation in recent months

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Everton are leading the race to sign Chris Rigg from Sunderland this summer.

The midfielder has been attracting a lot of interest going into the upcoming transfer market after a strong campaign for the Black Cats.

The 17-year-old has been a regular presence for the Wearside outfit this season as they chase promotion to the Premier League.

Rigg has contributed four goals and one assist from 39 appearances in the Championship, with Régis Le Bris’ side set for a top six finish.

But the youngster has a contract until the summer of 2027, meaning there is no immediate incentive for the Black Cats to sell this transfer window.

Chris Rigg transfer latest

Brown, a former scout at Sunderland, believes that a club like Everton could prove to be the next step in Rigg’s career, despite interest from Manchester United.

He feels the youngster is not ready for a team with Man United’s ambitions, suggesting a switch to Merseyside is more likely at this stage.

“I keep hearing Chris Rigg’s name mentioned,” said Brown, via Football Insider.

“But when I watch Sunderland, there’s a lack of consistency in the team, and the number of young players they’ve got are probably the reason for that.

“They’ll be in the playoffs so it will be interesting to see how they handle it.

“I don’t think Rigg is quite ready for the step up to a team like Man United.

“One thing I do think is a possibility is a move to Everton.

“They’re an experienced outfit, so adding Rigg in there would benefit him a lot just as it would benefit Everton to add some youth to their side.

“David Moyes wants to add younger talent to that team and Rigg is one I know they’ve been looking at.

“He will be given time to grow and develop, and then maybe he could make the move to a Man United or a Chelsea once he’s come on a bit more.

“At the moment, though, a move to Everton or a team like Everton is most likely for him.”

Chris Rigg's importance to Sunderland

Sunderland are currently fourth in the Championship table, a position they cannot move from with only two games remaining in the regular campaign.

Rigg has played an important role in their run to the play-offs, and could yet have a big say in whether or not they gain promotion to the Premier League.

The youngster has already shown he can score in big games, netting the winner against rivals Middlesbrough earlier this season, as well as scoring against Leeds United back in October.

However, the team's current dip in form may not prove the best preparation for the intensity of the upcoming promotion battle.

Play-offs could determine Rigg’s future

Sunderland are still in the mix for promotion, although their recent form isn’t inspiring confidence they’ll get over the line.

If Le Bris can turn things around once the play-offs actually get underway then the team is strong enough to beat anyone on their day, and Rigg is a part of that.

But failure to gain promotion could cause the 17-year-old to consider his options if clubs like Everton and Man United come knocking.

However, he is still so young that spending another year in the Championship wouldn’t be the worst idea at all, so it’s not a given that he will leave either.