Sunderland AFC: Chris Rigg issued clear warning amid Man Utd transfer talk | OneFootball

Chris Rigg has emerged as a January transfer target for a number of clubs following strong Sunderland performances

Danny Mills has warned Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg against jumping ship from the club too soon.

The midfielder is attracting a lot of transfer attention ahead of the January window following his impressive Championship performances.

It has been reported by Talksport that Manchester United are considering an approach for the player, with Football Insider naming Crystal Palace as another club with a keen interest.

Caught Offside have claimed that it will cost up to €30 (£25) million to convince the Black Cats to cash in, with the likes of Liverpool, Wolves, Brighton, Manchester City and even Real Madrid all keeping tabs on his situation.

Rigg has featured in 14 of Sunderland’s opening 15 league games so far this season, including making 13 starts, and has contributed three goals.

Danny Mills issues Chris Rigg transfer warning

Mills has claimed that big clubs should make an attempt to sign him, either in the summer or in the January transfer window.

However, he believes the youngster will struggle for game time in the Premier League, suggesting staying with Sunderland would be his best option for now, which could even include a loan move back to the Stadium of Light if he departs in the winter.

“I wouldn’t [be stunned if he stayed],” said Mills, via Talksport.

“They maybe should [big teams go in for Rigg].

“But I think as a young player now, you’ve got to be very, very careful, not to go too soon.

“He’s young.

“He’s having a great spell at the moment. But that can change very, very quickly.

“He’s not going to go to a Premier League club and play every week. I would say, ‘OK, but I want to stay on loan for the season’… Surely that has to work for both clubs?”

Chris Rigg’s importance to Sunderland

Sunderland are aiming to gain promotion back to the Premier League, seeking a return to the division for the first time since 2017.

Rigg is playing an important role in that ambition, cementing himself as a regular starter in Régis Le Bris’ side.

The Black Cats are top of the second division table, level on points with second place Sheffield United after just 15 games, with Leeds United two behind in third.

Next up for Sunderland is a trip away to face an in-form Millwall side on 23 November in a 3pm kick-off, with the league returning to action this weekend.

Chris Rigg will have a big decision to make over his future soon

Rigg is still only 17-years-of-age, but will soon have a huge decision to make that could have a big, long-term impact on his career.

There are several top clubs chasing his signature, although he still has a contract with Sunderland until the summer of 2028.

The winter market will be a tricky time for the midfielder to make this decision too, as he won’t know whether Sunderland can clinch promotion to the Premier League or not.

Waiting at least until the summer before committing his future elsewhere would be the safest option at this point, as his rate of development suggests he’ll still be a wanted man in six months’ time.