Tottenham’s interest in Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg appears to be genuine ahead of the summer window

Tottenham’s interest in Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg is genuine and the Premier League club are definitely tracking the midfielder, according to the latest reports.

The 17-year-old has cemented himself as a key cog in head coach Régis Le Bris’ midfield this season alongside Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham, with the Black Cats pushing for promotion to the Premier League from the Championship.

Indeed, journalist Jacob Steinberg has confirmed that Rigg is being tracked by Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham ahead of the summer window with West Ham United also said to be interested. The news comes after claims during the international break that Spurs had lodged a big-money move for the player.

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According to Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur submitted an offer for Rigg, which was nearly double Sunderland’s valuation in their determination to secure the talented youngster during the international. Spurs have shown a willingness to invest heavily in young talent, having paid £40million to sign Durham-born Archie Gray from Leeds United last summer.

Despite his age, the 19-year-old has featured more than expected this season due to injuries within Ange Postecoglou’s squad - a sign that Rigg could also be given opportunities should he make the move to North London.

However, when asked before the Millwall game, Le Bris said he was not aware of any formal bids from Tottenham for Chris Rigg over the international break. “Not at all,” Le Bris responded when asked if he had received any indication of formal interest in Rigg. “But it's positive for the club, it's positive for Riggy as well because it shows that he did well so far and he's really well connected with Sunderland so for me his main focus will be with us, no worries.”

Rigg’s midfield colleague, Jobe Bellingham, also continues to be the subject of widespread transfer speculation ahead of the summer window. The 19-year-old has been in impressive form for the Black Cats this season and has carried his positive work onto the international stage too, registering an assist during England U21s’ 4-2 victory over Portugal on Monday evening.

Manchester United are one of several clubs who have been linked with Bellingham repeatedly in recent times alongside Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, where his brother Jude Bellingham enjoyed a successful stint before moving to Real Madrid.

On Jobe Bellingham also being linked with a move to the Premier League alongside Rigg, Le Bris added: “I think they are really mature, they are young but really mature because they didn't show so far any weaknesses about their involvement in the club project.”

Sunderland’s head coach continued on the pair: “I think for young players it's not obvious, it's not easy because if you lose just one second in your mind the consequences on the pitch will be huge and so far they were still connected so they are really impressive.”

Speaking during a recent Q&A session with the club’s in-house media team, England youth international Rigg reiterated his love and passion for Sunderland. Question: “Hi Chris, I have a question for you. What's the best part about playing for Sunderland?”

Answer: “I think some people don't realise how much it means to put on a Sunderland shirt and give it your all for the team. I think I can say that I do every time I go on the pitch. So yeah, it's very special for me to be playing, and I'm trying to take every opportunity that comes. Yeah, I think that probably sums it up, to be honest.”

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