Tottenham Hotspur are ready to battle a London rival for one of the EFL’s most promising young starlets, Chris Rigg, but the North London club’s chance of landing the player might depend on one factor out of their control.
Tottenham’s decision to spend big on Archie Gray last summer now looks like a masterstroke, given the way the youngster has progressed in his first season in North London.
The Lilywhites have now reportedly set their sights on another one of the Championship’s most promising teenage midfielders.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Tottenham are ready to push ahead with a move for Sunderland’s Chris Rigg, with Ange Postecoglou’s men said to have been impressed by the 17-year-old’s displays at the Stadium of Light this season.
Tottenham set to battle West Ham for Chris Rigg
The Northern Echo have now backed up Spurs’ interest in Rigg, explaining that the Lilywhites have been ‘long-term admirers’ of the teenager.
The report claims that Tottenham are very keen to add the midfielder to the growing list of talented youngsters in their squad, but they are expected to face competition from one of their London rivals.
West Ham United are also fans of Rigg and are expected to make a formal offer for the England Under-19 man this summer.
However, the publication adds that senior Spurs officials remain hopeful that the youngster can be persuaded that a switch to N17 would be the right one for his development.
Spurs’ chances of signing Rigg could depend on one factor
The Northern Echo also reveal that Rigg turned down approaches from Manchester United and Newcastle to sign a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light last summer.
With three years still left to run on his contract, Sunderland are in a strong negotiating position ahead of the summer window.
It is explained that their chances of keeping their academy graduate will increase significantly if they achieve promotion to the Premier League.
However, if they remain in the Championship, they are expected to find it very difficult to keep Chris Rigg away from the likes of Tottenham.
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