‘Everton lead race to sign Chris Rigg after Moyes green light’
Everton are currently leading the likes of Man United in the race to sign Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg this summer.
That is according to former Sunderland and Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 17-year-old is likely to make a stepping-stone move.
He is not currently believed to be at the level to step up to one of the Premier League’s top clubs, and will instead be allowed to develop his game elsewhere.
Meanwhile, David Moyes is keen to add younger talent into his team, while the midfielder would also benefit from the opportunity to play with more experienced players.
Brown told Football Insider in November that Sunderland cannot resist big-money offers for Rigg if they fail in their bid for promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.
Alongside Everton and Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham and Crystal Palace have all been keeping an eye on the midfielder’s performances this season.
Chris Rigg race hots up as Everton push for Sunderland star
Brown told Football Insider on 13 February that Rigg should continue his development at Sunderland despite Man United scouts watching him “every week”.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United and worked closely with Moyes at West Ham, has explained a move to Everton would be his best bet away from Sunderland.
“I keep hearing Chris Rigg’s name mentioned,” he told Football Insider.
“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 playoffs 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.”
David Moyes backed to ‘transform’ Evan Ferguson
Moyes’ attempts to bring younger players into his Everton team ahead of the summer window have also seen links to the likes of Brighton star Evan Ferguson.
Football Insider revealed on 21 April that Moyes backs himself to transform Ferguson and help him to rediscover his early-career form.
This comes after an unsuccessful loan spell with Graham Potter’s West Ham, where the Ireland international has started just one game and failed to score.
Sources say Ferguson is likely to leave Brighton this summer in a bid to reignite his career after falling out of favour under Fabian Hurzeler’s management.
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