Crystal Palace plot £20million transfer raid on Sunderland for Chris Rigg, 17, after stunning start to new season

CRYSTAL PALACE are targeting a £20million-plus for Sunderland's teenage sensation Chris Rigg.

The 17-year-old midfielder has established himself as a regular starter for Sunderland this season after becoming the second-youngest player in the club's history whilst still at school last year.

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Palace have watched Rigg play for the Black Cats several times this season.

The teenager has impressed for the promotion chasers, bagging three goals in 12 games.

And Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is convinced he will prove good enough for the Premier League.

The London club could even make a move in January, as they did last season in signing Adam Wharton from Blackburn for £18m.

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The 20-year-old made such an impact at Palace that he was named in the England squad for last summer's European Championship.

But after making his debut in a warm-up game against Bosnia he did not play a game during the tournament in Germany.

Sunderland gave Rigg a new three-year contract last summer and will resist any attempt to lure him away from the Stadium of Light during the season.

Rigg impressed for England under-18s over the summer following his breakthrough campaign.

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He made 21 appearances last term and has been with the Black Cats since he was at primary school.

Rigg is under contract at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2027.

After signing the new deal, he beamed: "I want to develop as a player and improve as a person.

"And I believe this is the best place for me to do that."

The Black Cats have been the surprise package of the Championship season so far under new French manager Regis Le Bris.

They are currently top of the table, ahead of chasing pack Sheffield United, Leeds and Burnley.

Failure to win promotion this season however could lead to Sunderland seeking to cash in on Rigg next summer, when he will have just two years left on his deal.

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