VERIFIED DEAL: A reporter reports that a Sunderland midfielder has officially disclosed that overseas clubs are considering offers.

Now 16, the midfielder has already played 25 times for the Black Cats’ first-team and is a regular at youth level for England. He operates in a range of midfield roles and out on the right-hand side and looks a player destined for a future at the top.

With another season done and the transfer window nearing, speculation over Rigg’s future is inevitable.

Now, fresh rumours over what could be next for the Sunderland starlet have emerged.

Writing on his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon has said that that German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are ‘on alert’ as Rigg looks set to put himself in the shop window as likely captain of England’s U17s this summer.

North east rivals Newcastle United remain a long-term admirer but an offer from Germany may come in first.

On the move?

Having become a regular at only 16, it’s no wonder further interest in Rigg is expected this summer.

He’s already drawn admiring glances from a number of top clubs but as noted by Nixon, his time with England U17s is going to put him in the limelight and potentially on the radars of even more clubs.

Sunderland will know they can get a good fee for Rigg, so while they will hold hopes of him continuing his breakthrough under their watch, they may well take the chance to cash in and raise funds for further additions in the summer window.

Such is the interest in the teenager, they could get a big fee in a bit of a bidding war too.

A vital summer

It’s been clear for some time that this summer is going to be an important one for Sunderland.

They’re in need of a new manager and that will bring a host of changes on Wearside. They’ll need funds to bring in new players of their own and while the club will be able to provide some, bolstering the bank balance with a big sale might not go amiss.

That’s where someone like Rigg could come in, although there are other valuable assets such as Jack Clarke and Anthony Patterson bound to draw attention from elsewhere.

Expect a busy summer for Sunderland, though things can’t really get underway until a permanent manager is in place to lead the side.