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The Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder has been left buzzing over some Newcastle United transfer news on 15-year-old central midfielder Chris Rigg.
The Lowdown: Newcastle edge ahead
Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit have edged ahead in the chase for Sunderland wonderkid Rigg, and are now hoping to complete a deal.
He is being tracked by a number of top clubs and has already captained England at youth level with the U16s, bagging a boot deal with Adidas along the way.
However, the Tynesiders would have to pay a compensation fee of £2.5m if they are to sign him from their North East rivals.
The Latest: Ryder buzzing
Taking to Twitter, Ryder gave his opinion on the saga, claiming that signing Rigg ‘will be a genuinely super deal’ for Eddie Howe’s side if they can pull it off:
“This will be a genuinely super deal for #nufc moving into a bright future if they can pull it off.”
The Verdict: Exciting
The prospect of signing a player as highly-rated as Rigg, especially from their local rivals, is an exciting one for the Toon Army.
Should Newcastle sign Rigg?
Yes
No
Hailed as a player with ‘frightening ability‘ by football insiders, he scored two goals and made two assists in nine games for the Black Cats’ U18s team last season at the tender age of just 14 (Transfermarkt), but his family are thought to be ‘black and white daft‘.
Nonetheless, this should give the Magpies even more encouragement that they can sign him ahead of the chasing pack.
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