Sunderland will have to fend off surprise interest from a League One side for one of their top talents.
Regis Le Bris’ side has managed to massively improve the side that finished in an unsatisfactory 16th place last season, despite not transforming the side in terms of transfers.
One of the biggest revelations for the current Sunderland side is the brilliant quality in midfield, with Black Cats youngsters Dan Neil, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham being the pick of the bunch.
Whilst they weren’t quite up to scratch last time out against Watford, particularly Neil, who handed the hosts a late penalty following a poor challenge, the midfield trio have been very good this season.
It was always expected that Sunderland’s bright start to the 2024/25 campaign would attract potential suitors to their top talents, however one club that is looking to raid the Black Cats has certainly taken many by surprise.
Birmingham City plotting move for Sunderland gem Chris Rigg
Sunderland star Rigg has been a revelation for Le Bris’ side, and that was put on display as he made the difference at the Stadium of Light against Middlesbrough, where he scored an audacious back heel from an incredibly acute angle to put his side ahead.
His brilliance has surprisingly alerted League One outfit Birmingham City, who, per Alan Nixon on Patreon, are looking to swoop for the youngster who they could offer up to £10million for in an ‘extraordinary raid’.
Premier League outfit Everton are also reportedly interested in Rigg, and are currently tracking the youngster.
Sunderland must not underestimate interest from Birmingham City
On the surface, many would assume that a League One side plotting a move for a player that is making incredible strides in the Championship would be incredibly, if not overly ambitious.
However, Birmingham City are most certainly an anomaly when it comes to being a League One club, and the proof is in the pudding in regards to bringing in top talents, with them being able to complete an audacious move for Fulham forward Jay Stansfield, who had interest from many top Championship sides.
In the short term of Rigg’s career, it makes very little sense for him to drop down to League One, however the ‘generational talent’ may view a move down south as a brilliant move for the future, with the Blues clearly showing plenty of ambition in League One.
Whilst the originally quoted £10million would not likely be enough, it would not be a surprise to see Birmingham City look to offer more as when it comes to financial power, there are not many bigger sides than the Blues at this level.