A look at the latest Sunderland-related transfer news and speculation

Sunderland are now just two games away from the Championship play-offs, with the Black Cats looking to seal a long-awaited return to the Premier League at Wembley next month.

And a lot of their summer transfer business could ultimately hinge on which division they find themselves in next season. With that in mind, here are a couple of the early pieces of speculation that are already doing the rounds on Wearside.

Check out our round-up below...

Everton “most likely” to land Chris Rigg

Premier League outfit Everton are best-placed to complete a move for Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg, according to former Black Cats chief scout Mick Brown.

The midfield starlet has been heavily-linked with an exit from the Stadium of Light this summer, with several high-profile clubs touted as admirers, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

But Brown is of the belief that a move to Merseyside could benefit Rigg more at this stage of his career. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I keep hearing Chris Rigg’s name mentioned. 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 play-offs 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.”

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Jobe Bellingham price tag reported

Elsewhere, Manchester United continue to be linked with another of Sunderland’s brightest young talents, Jobe Bellingham. The teenager has enjoyed a breakout campaign on Wearside and, like Rigg, has been touted as a prospective target for a whole host of illustrious suitors - including the Red Devils.

According to continental outlet Fichajes, however, whoever swoops for the sensations this summer will have to pay a hefty fee to prise him away from the Stadium of Light. In a fresh update on Bellingham’s future, the publication suggests that both United and Chelsea are willing to go toe-to-toe for his signature, but will have to pay upwards of £21.5 million to tempt Sunderland into a sale.

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