Chris Rigg: Sunderland Insider shares major update today
Sunderland may be powerless to resist big-money offers for Chris Rigg in the summer, according to the club's former assistant manager.
Mick Brown, who served as the assistant to Roy Keane at the Stadium of Light and remains very well-connected at the club and within the game, exclusively told Football Insider that his future could be decided by Sunderland's performances.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that the club will put a "huge" price tag on the 17-year-old amid interest from Manchester United.
Regis le Bris' side currently sit at the top of the league after a strong start to the season.
However, if they fail to earn promotion to the Premier League, it is said they may be tempted to cash in on his sale to reinvest in the squad.
On top of that, remaining in the Championship would make holding on to his signature amid growing interest from top sides considerably more difficult.
The likes of Man United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been linked with moves for the teenager, while Crystal Palace and Wolves have also shown an interest.
As a result, there is expected to be a battle to lure him away from the North East if Sunderland cannot offer Premier League football next season.
Sunderland could cash in on Chris Rigg, on one condition
Brown previously told Football Insider that Man United scouts have been in attendance at the Stadium of Light "nearly every week" to keep tabs on Rigg's progress.
Now, the former United chief scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment at the top level after over a decade at the club during their most successful period, explained that his future will depend on whether Sunderland are promoted.
"Sunderland want to keep him at the club, of course," he told Football Insider.
"But they won't be in a position to turn down big offers if they don't go up.
"If they can get big money for him in that case, I'd expect them to take it because it could help them strengthen their squad and go again for promotion.
"But if they get promoted, it's a different story entirely.
"His future will also depend on whether clubs see enough from him this season to warrant a deal.
"He's been very good, and there are top clubs who've certainly been watching him, but he's only 17. They may not feel he's ready for that step up just yet."
In other news, Crystal Palace have also set their sights on signing Rigg.
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