BREAKING NEWS: Chelsea and Newcastle United are the front-runners in the race for the Sunderland prodigy.

According to a recent HITC report, Newcastle United is ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in the competition for Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.

Over the years, Sunderland has had a wide range of exceptional players pass through their ranks. Teenage midfielder Rigg has already drawn attention in the senior game and is one of the latest who appears destined for a bright future.

After just 12 Black Cats first-team appearances, the 16-year-old has already been connected to high-profile transactions. In that time, he has scored two goals and maintained a consistent position in the England U17 team.

Recent rumors regarding interest in the prized starlet of the Championship club have surfaced. Newcastle United, Newcastle’s northeast neighbor, is reportedly leading Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League’s chase for Rigg, who is prepared to move during the summer transfer window, according to HITC.

It’s said that Rigg and his family are avid supporters of the Magpies. They have an advantage over other teams interested in the Sunderland star because of that.

Making your way out of summer?

Sunderland has experienced the loss of its best young players to clubs at higher levels of the hierarchy. Rigg would be the most recent in a long line of bright Black Cats prospects to leave the team if he were to advance to the Premier League.

It appears that he has a few choices as well. Moving to Newcastle United would allow him to remain near his family and connect with the team they both support, but Chelsea and Liverpool do have the advantage in terms of stature and top-notch youth coaching.

He’ll be looking to leave, so Sunderland will be hoping to get a decent price for his services. You would also wager on the Championship side to win a sizable sum, given that the 16-year-old has already gained senior experience.