Sunderland Echo

Spurs pundit casts doubt on Dennis Cirkin return with Sunderland hopeful of new deal in top-flight

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

A Tottenham Hotspur expert has poured cold water on the idea of Dennis Cirkin returning to North London this summer, backing the left-back to remain at Sunderland despite uncertainty over his long-term future.

Cirkin, 23, has just one year left on his current deal at the Stadium of Light and is yet to sign an extension, prompting speculation over his next move following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

However, John Wenham – owner of respected Spurs outlet Lilywhite Rose – believes a move back to Tottenham is unlikely. Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I don’t see Cirkin joining Tottenham. He will want to play in the Premier League with Sunderland, and I think Tottenham will be reluctant to pay big money on a player who they had a £6million buyback clause for up until last summer.”

The Spurs guru added: “I appreciate he’s only got one year left on his deal, but I can see Cirkin reaching some sort of agreement which will see him carry on at Sunderland. He’s a very good player, by the way. I just don’t see this one happening.”

Cirkin made 30 appearances across all competitions last term and is expected to compete for a starting spot in Régis Le Bris’ side during the 2024–25 campaign, following the summer arrival of Reinildo from Atlético Madrid. Sunderland remain hopeful the former England youth international will commit his future to the club after an injury-hit but ultimately encouraging 2023–24 season.

What other Sunderland-related transfer news is there?

Sunderland have been linked with a potential move for Abdoulaye Doucouré following the midfielder’s release from Everton.

The 32-year-old officially left Goodison Park at the end of June when his contract expired, with the Toffees confirming he would not be retained ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Reports have suggested that Doucouré is on a list of potential targets being considered by Sunderland as they look to add experience to Régis Le Bris’ Premier League squad following promotion.

The Black Cats are expected to make several midfield additions this summer after Jobe Bellingham’s big-money move to Borussia Dortmund. Doucouré, a free agent, is believed to be attracting interest from several clubs – including sides in the Saudi Pro League – though Sunderland are yet to firm up their position. Doucouré was a regular for Everton last season, making 36 appearances across all competitions and contributing four goals and two assists. He had hoped to sign a contract extension with the Merseyside club, but with David Moyes now overseeing a squad rebuild, the decision was taken to let him move on.

The former Watford man brings significant Premier League pedigree. Across spells with both Watford and Everton, Doucouré has made 278 top-flight appearances, scoring 31 goals and establishing himself as a powerful and dynamic midfield presence. Sunderland have already demonstrated their intent in the transfer market this summer. The club have agreed a £30million deal for Habib Diarra and added full-back Reinildo on a free transfer – two signings that signal a more ambitious approach following promotion.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

While the club’s model remains focused on young, high-upside talent, there is recognition that top-flight experience may be needed to balance the squad. Sunderland have shown in recent years that they are willing to make select signings outside their usual profile when the fit is right, as seen previously with players like Corry Evans and Danny Batth during their time in the Championship. Whether Doucouré becomes a serious option remains to be seen, but his availability, experience and Premier League record mean he is a name worth keeping an eye on in the weeks ahead.

Click here for more of our videos

on ShotsTV.com or watch on Freeview 262

Spurs have been linked with a move for Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Tottenham Hotspur would need to pay a sum of around £20 million to prise Dennis Cirkin away from Sunderland this summer, according to one of the club’s former scouts.

The 23-year-old signed for the Black Cats from Spurs back in 2021, and has since gone on to establish himself as a key figure on Wearside, helping his side to two promotions and registering 116 appearances in red and white across all competitions.

Indeed, it would appear that Cirkin’s performances in the North East have been enough to catch the eye of his former employers, with reports emerging in recent days suggesting that Spurs could look to table a bid for the left-back this summer.

According to Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold, Cirkin is being considered as a cost-effective option, and is a tempting target due to the fact that he has just one year left on his current contract. Gold wrote recently: “Spurs have looked at the past in bringing back 23-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin, who has impressed at Sunderland. He made 39 appearances this season as the Black Cats returned to the Premier League through the play-offs, and he has 12 months remaining on his contract.”

What has been said about Sunderland’s valuation of Dennis Cirkin?

For their part, Spurs did have a buy-back clause written into their initial transfer agreement with Sunderland that would have allowed them to re-sign Cirkin for around £6 million. That option expire last June, however, and as a consequence, Bryan King - who used to work as a scout for the Europa League champions - believes that the club will now have to pay considerably more if they are to lure their academy graduate back to North London.

Speaking to Tottenham Hotspur News, he said: “Cirkin is still only 23 years old. Therefore, it would probably take a bid of about £20m for Sunderland to accept. I know they need to address this issue, but they’re linked with Kyle Walker-Peters as well.

“Tottenham don’t want to sign too many players in that position because they’ve already got quite a bit of coverage in the full-back areas. If Tottenham can bring through some Under-21 players to address that issue, that would be a much cheaper option than going out and buying a player like Cirkin. I wouldn’t think Sunderland would be too happy about it either.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

What has Kristjaan Speakman said about Dennis Cirkin’s contract?

Sunderland are expected to reopen contract negotiations with both Cirkin and captain Dan Neil in the coming weeks, following a pause in talks during the club’s push for promotion.

“We do a contract review right across the group at the end of every season,” sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said recently. “I think we're in a strong position with the majority of the group this time around, especially with a lot of the players who have performed at a really high level.”

“There are a couple there whose contracts are reducing, and we need to have a conversation around that, and that will happen in the coming weeks. That's part of trying to build the squad for next season. We don't have anyone out of contract this summer and so that means there isn't an immediate issue for us. We have a little bit of time to reflect. As I always say, it's got to be the right opportunity for the players and for us.”

Click here for more of our videos

on ShotsTV.com or watch on Freeview 262

Dennis Cirkin’s contract and transfer situation at Sunderland explained amid interest from other clubs...

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin has once again been linked with a return to former club Tottenham Hotspur following the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League.

Here, we take you through everything that has been said about Cirkin, his current contract situation, and where Tottenham currently stand:

Do Tottenham have a buy-back clause for Dennis Cirkin?

Tottenham Hotspur did have a £6million buy-back option on Dennis Cirkin following his move to Sunderland in 2021 – but that clause expired on 30 June 2024. Reports had previously suggested that Spurs were exploring the possibility of activating the clause to bring the left-back back to North London.

While that window has now closed, Tottenham are still entitled to a percentage of the profit if Cirkin is sold on, due to a sell-on clause included in the original deal. Despite growing Premier League interest, Cirkin remains under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is understood to be prioritising a new deal for the 23-year-old defender, alongside talks with club captain Dan Neil, who is also entering the final 12 months of his agreement.

What do the latest transfer reports say about Dennis Cirkin and Tottenham?

Cirkin has been linked with a potential return to Spurs as the club seeks to comply with UEFA squad regulations ahead of their return to the Champions League. Clubs competing in Europe’s elite competition must name at least four ‘club-trained’ players in their 25-man squads – players who spent three full seasons at the club between the ages of 15 and 21. Tottenham currently have just one.

According to Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, Cirkin is being considered as a cost-effective option, having come through Spurs' academy before joining Sunderland. Gold wrote: “Spurs have looked at the past in bringing back 23-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin, who has impressed at Sunderland. He made 39 appearances this season as the Black Cats returned to the Premier League through the play-offs, and he has 12 months remaining on his contract.”

Cirkin would meet UEFA’s definition of a club-trained player, which adds further appeal as new Spurs boss Thomas Frank rebuilds the squad for European competition. Fellow academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters is also said to be under consideration.

What has Kristjaan Speakman said about Dennis Cirkin’s contract?

Sunderland are expected to reopen contract negotiations with both Cirkin and Dan Neil in the coming weeks, following a pause in talks during the club’s push for promotion.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

“We do a contract review right across the group at the end of every season,” Speakman said recently. “I think we're in a strong position with the majority of the group this time around, especially with a lot of the players who have performed at a really high level.”

“There are a couple there whose contracts are reducing, and we need to have a conversation around that, and that will happen in the coming weeks. That's part of trying to build the squad for next season. We don't have anyone out of contract this summer and so that means there isn't an immediate issue for us. We have a little bit of time to reflect. As I always say, it's got to be the right opportunity for the players and for us.”

Click here for more of our videos

on ShotsTV.com or watch on Freeview 262

Tottenham have been linked with Sunderland promotion hero Dennis Cirkin as Thomas Frank eyes homegrown reinforcements

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move to re-sign Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin this summer, according to reports, as the North London club scramble to meet UEFA squad regulations ahead of their return to the Champions League.

It has been claimed that Cirkin is one of several former Spurs academy players being monitored as new head coach Thomas Frank plans for the 2025–26 campaign. Cirkin, now 23, was a key figure in Sunderland’s promotion-winning season, making 39 appearances as Régis Le Bris’ side returned to the Premier League via the play-offs. The defender has just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light, and his future remains uncertain heading into the final year of his deal.

Tottenham are facing pressure to comply with UEFA’s squad registration rules, which require every Champions League side to name at least four ‘club-trained’ players – footballers who spent at least three full seasons with the club between the ages of 15 and 21.

Currently, Spurs only have one such player in their senior squad, meaning at least three more must be registered ahead of European competition. Cirkin, who spent several years in the club’s youth system before joining Sunderland in 2021, qualifies as a club-trained player under UEFA rules.

Another former Spurs academy product, Kyle Walker-Peters, is also reportedly being considered. Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold, writing for Football London, recently confirmed the club’s renewed interest in Cirkin, stating: “Spurs have looked at the past in bringing back 23-year-old left-back Dennis Cirkin, who has impressed at Sunderland. He made 39 appearances this season as the Black Cats returned to the Premier League through the play-offs, and he has 12 months remaining on his contract.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Gold also noted that while Spurs previously held a buy-back clause on Cirkin, that clause expired last year. However, Tottenham do still hold a sell-on percentage, meaning any fee paid would be reduced by the amount owed to them, potentially making a deal financially appealing.

While no formal offer has been made, Sunderland are aware of Cirkin’s contract situation and the growing interest. With Premier League football secured, the club are expected to hold firm in any negotiations unless a deal meets their valuation, especially with Cirkin playing a major role in the club’s promotion push. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has also confirmed that contract talks with the full-back are underway.

What has Kristjaan Speakman said about contracts?

Sunderland are expected to reopen contract talks with midfield talisman Dan Neil and defender Dennis Cirkin in the coming weeks. Both players are entering the final year of their current deals, and the club is keen to tie them down to fresh terms ahead of the summer transfer window. Neil and Cirkin have attracted consistent top-flight interest, with reports in Italy linking AS Roma with a potential move for Neil following his standout campaign in the Championship.

Initial discussions over new contracts were paused last season to allow the players and club to focus fully on the promotion push. However, with Premier League football now secured, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has made it clear that securing the futures of key assets is high on the club’s agenda, though he insists the situation is under control and progressing calmly.

“We do a contract review right across the group at the end of every season,” Speakman said. “I think we're in a strong position with the majority of the group this time around, especially with a lot of the players who have performed at a really high level.

“There are a couple there whose contracts are reducing and we need to have a conversation around that and that will happen in the coming weeks. That's part of trying to build the squad for next season. We don't have anyone out of contract this summer and so that means there isn't an immediate issue for us, we have a little bit of time to reflect. As I always say, it's got to be the right opportunity for the players and for us.”

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham was named Championship Young Player of the Season over the weekend.

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has sent a message to Sunderland starlet Jobe Bellingham after the latter was named Young Player of the Season at the Championship’s end of year awards.

The teenager has enjoyed a superb campaign on Wearside, and was also included in the second tier’s Team of the Season as well as scooping his individual accolade. Alongside Bellingham, Sunderland teammate Chris Rigg was handed the Championship’s Apprentice of the Season gong.

Indeed, Bellingham has performed at such a level in recent months that he finds himself at the centre of widespread transfer speculation, with several clubs from both the Premier League and abroad touted as admirers of the Black Cats sensation.

What did James Maddison say to Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham?

To that end, one of the clubs who have been credited with an interest in Bellingham are Tottenham, and one of Spurs’ key players, James Maddison, went out of his way to congratulate the Sunderland talent in the aftermath of his awards success.

The England international was one of several recognisable names to react to the news of Bellingham’s triumph via Instagram, commenting: “Junior sheriff. Love it mate, well done” alongside a white heart. Other notable players to comment include Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, Ipswich Town attacker Omari Hutchinson, Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho, former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, and Jobe’s elder sibling Jude, who wrote: “Deserved brother”.

What did Jobe Bellingham say after receiving his Young Player of the Season award?

Speaking during his acceptance speech, Bellingham said: “I’m grateful to win the award. It’s been a really good season, and I’ve just tried to learn from my teammates and do the best I can.

“I’ve learnt a lot from the gaffer, he has brought great structure to our team. I've learned a lot out of possession. I’ve got a lot bigger physically which has helped as well, and I feel like I’ve progressed a lot.

“It’s great to play for a club as big as Sunderland. It’s a huge opportunity to play in front of such a huge fan base every week, they're so passionate. Hopefully we can end the season on a high now. Playing in the Premier League, especially for Sunderland, is a massive motivation. In my eyes they deserve to be in the Premier League."

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

What did Kristjaan Speakman say about Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg after the EFL end of season awards?

Speaking after the ceremony, Speakman described the occasion as a “magnificent highlight” for both Bellingham and Rigg, as well as Sunderland as a whole. Of Rigg, he said: “To accrue a massive amount of numbers at his age, not just this season but over the previous season, is a huge accolade for him. It’s really nice when that gets respected and highlighted by the EFL. I think it just shows how well he’s done.

“For Jobe to get highlighted in the Team of the Season and to win Young Player of the Season vindicates everything he has put in behind the scenes. He’s been putting in performances week-in, week-out, and that’s now being recognised at the highest level.”

He added: “With Riggy and Jobe, you have to be involved in a really good team. All the players highlighted tonight are involved in good teams – that’s no coincidence. There’s a shout-out there to all the support staff and the coaching staff. For these two guys to be recognised in their individual categories – they’ve done really well. It’s something everyone at the club should be proud of.”

Sunderland under-21s returned to action on Monday night in the Premier League 2 against Tottenham at Eppleton CW.

Felix Scott netted two superb goals for Sunderland in the second half after a goalless opening stanza but Tottenham bagged three of their own to secure a 3-2 win at Hetton in the Premier League 2 in front of a crowd of 382.

Sunderland came into the game hoping they could take another step towards securing a spot in next season’s Premier League International Cup. A top-16 finish would also guarantee qualification for the end-of-season play-offs. The Black Cats were 12th coming into the game. Graeme Murty’s men have just one game of the regular campaign left away to Aston Villa on Friday and will need to win it to secure their goals.

Lead coach Murty named a very youthful looking under-21s side which included eight under-18 scholars, with the likes of Joe Anderson, Tom Lavery, Harrison Jones, Ben Middlemas and Oli Bainbridge all with Régis Le Bris first-team for the clash against Norwich City in the Championship on Tuesday night at Carrow Road. Rhys Walsh and Cuba Mitchell were also rested after last week’s draw against Nottingham Forest as Murty rotated his squad with both making the bench.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Marcus Neill, playing up front, had Sunderland’s best chance of the first half after 25 minutes but saw his curling shot deflected for a corner after good work from Felix Scott. Seconds later Fin Holcroft managed to block a certain goal with a crucial block. Tottenham upped the pressure as the half wore on with a series of attacks and corners with the home side pinned back at time but looking promising on the counter.

Sunderland goalkeeper Kelechi Chibueze produced a fine save to keep the scores level after 33 minutes with the former Leicester City man acrobatically diving to deny a Tottenham header. With the opening 45 drawing to a close Jack Whittaker tested Spurs’ goalkeeper Aaron Maguire but his tame shot was easily dealt with. The opening stanza ended goalless but Spurs took the lead through captain Callum Olussesi seconds after the restart.

However, Sunderland struck back soon after with Neill setting up Scott for a low shot in the area to level the scores. The 16-year-old first-year scholar then doubled his tally for the evening with a superbly struck right-footed shot 20 yards out, with Jaydon Jones getting the assist. Whittaker nearly put Sunderland further ahead but was thwarted by an excellent Maguire save. Seconds later, Oliver Irow levelled the scores at 2-2 with a clever finish.

With just three minutes of normal time to play, Tottenham re-took the lead after substitute Yusuf Akhamrich fired the visitors ahead. As Sunderland pushed hard for an equaliser, Cuba Mitchell and Archie Lightfoot came on for Jaydon Jones and Fin Holcroft. Spurs were able to hold onto a 3-2 win.

Here, James Copley rates each of Sunderland’s players against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League 2:

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg is the subject of transfer interest from the Premier League

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg could be worth £100 million in “two to five years”, according to EFL pundit David Prutton.

The teenage sensation has enjoyed a breakout campaign on Wearside this season, and has subsequently found himself at the centre of widespread transfer speculation involving a whole host of high-profile suitors. To that end, reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur could be willing to pay as much as £38 million to lure the England youth international to North London this summer, having previously forked out around £40 million to secure a similar deal for ex-Leeds United prodigy Archie Gray last year.

And while Prutton has admitted that it is difficult to know whether Rigg is actually worth such an exorbitant fee, the ex-Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has suggested that there is a version of events in which the Sunderland academy product is valued at considerably more than that figure in the relatively near future.

What has David Prutton said about Sunderland star Chris Rigg’s transfer future?

Speaking to Football League World, Prutton said: "Chris Rigg to Spurs for £38 million... that is a lot of money. He's still such a young kid, 17 years old, bursting through at an even younger age than that, sometimes you forget how many games he's been around for given many young players are dropping off the production line and into the first-team - they've done such a good job up in Sunderland.

"Over the course of the season broadly he's been very good, I know Regis Le Bris in recent weeks has wanted those exacting standards he's set for himself for Chris to live up to once again, which I've got no doubt he'll get to. That's sometimes par for the course when you're looking at the development of a younger player.

"£38 million... is he worth it? God knows, sometimes those types of figures can be rather arbitrarily put together, but of course they've got form have Spurs of spending a lot of money on a young player. Archie Gray, who had a season at Leeds that took them all the way to the play-off final - will Chris get something similar? We will soon see.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

"What you're paying for though is potential. You could put a hell of a lot money down on a player now for say around £40 million like we're talking for Chris, and then suddenly two to five years time he's worth £100 million - that's the speculation they're looking to turn into accumulation further down the line.

"Is he worth it? God knows, only time will tell, but Spurs being slightly transitional this season, Archie's got a lot of game-time which has been wonderful for him, but as a collective, Spurs haven't hit the heights they'd have been expecting to get to.

"Big-money moves, take Brennan Johnson for example, equals a lot of responsibility and expectation, and for a young kid who is 17, that could be a hell of a lot to deal with. So, I'm sure he'll be guided very well and firmly, but undoubtedly a real star in the making."

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

The latest transfer gossip claims that Tottenham have submitted a £38million bid to Sunderland

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly lodged a £38million bid for Sunderland star Chris Rigg, with the North London club said to be “determined” to secure his signature this summer.

The gossip follows reports from The Sun on Sunday (page 55), stating that the 17-year-old is eager to play in the Premier League to further his development. Sunderland are believed to have set a £20 million valuation for Rigg, while West Ham have also shown interest, reportedly hoping to negotiate a deal closer to £10million. However, reports have now emerged suggesting Spurs have tabled a significant bid for the highly-rated youngster.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur have already submitted an offer for Rigg that is nearly double Sunderland’s valuation in their determination to secure the talented youngster. Spurs have shown a willingness to invest heavily in young talent, having paid £40million to sign Durham-born Archie Gray from Leeds United last summer. Despite his age, the 19-year-old has featured more than expected this season due to injuries within Ange Postecoglou’s squad - a sign that Rigg could also be given opportunities should he make the move to North London.

What has Chris Rigg said about Sunderland recently?

However, speaking during a recent Q&A session with the club’s in-house media team, the England youth international reiterated his love and passion for Sunderland.

Question: “Hi Chris, I have a question for you. What's the best part about playing for Sunderland?”

Answer: “I think some people don't realise how much it means to put on a Sunderland shirt and give it your all for the team. I think I can say that I do every time I go on the pitch. So yeah, it's very special for me to be playing, and I'm trying to take every opportunity that comes. Yeah, I think that probably sums it up, to be honest.”

What Le Bris has said about Chris Rigg recently

Régis Le Bris recently said that Sunderland will manage Rigg carefully after he was dropped for the game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Le Bris added that Rigg was frustrated with what has been a dip in his form from a string of outstanding performances in the opening months of the campaign, but the Sunderland head coach has assured him that this is to be expected in what is his first campaign of regular senior football.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Le Bris took the decision to drop Rigg to the bench for the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, with the youngster making a positive impact as a substitute in the closing stages as Sunderland saw out the win. Rigg was then restored to the starting XI to face Cardiff City but was sub the following game against Preston before playing 90 minutes against Coventry.

The Sunderland head coach says the form and consistency of Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham highlight the benefit of their added experience, with both going through a similar challenge in their first full senior campaigns. It's why Neil and Bellingham are unlikely to be rested significantly in the weeks ahead as Rigg's minutes are carefully managed.

“They are not at the same stage of their career, this is really Chris Rigg’s first season," Le Bris said. "It is a new experience for him. It is not unusual for a player like that to struggle a little bit at this stage of the season, after 35 games. We spoke together last week.

“He said he wasn’t happy about his game level, but I said, ‘It is normal – you just have to adjust to this new experience’. As a club and as a staff, we have to create the right condition for him to be able to recover, then I am sure he will find his best level again.

"With Dan and Jobe, the situation is a little bit different," Le Bris added. "They are more mature and more experienced, even if they are still young. Jobe is still 19, but this is probably his second full season and that makes a bit of a difference. I think he has shown really good qualities. He maybe wasn’t always exactly where he would want to be, but he has maintained a very good performance level.

“He has never dipped too low, and that is probably just a case of him becoming more mature. With that kind of foundation, you can go on and reach the next level. Jobe was able to do that, and I think that has been the case with Dan as well. Because of their experiences, they have learned how not to waste energy on the pitch, like you do when you are younger.

“I think for Riggy, we are still in that phase. Sometimes, he could maybe make different decisions that result in the same outcome, but with less energy. We are here to help him with that, and I hope we are able to manage all three players properly until the end of the season."

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

The latest transfer gossip claims that Tottenham have submitted a £38million bid to Sunderland

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly lodged a £38million bid for Sunderland star Chris Rigg, with the North London club said to be “determined” to secure his signature this summer.

The gossip follows reports from The Sun on Sunday (page 55), stating that the 17-year-old is eager to play in the Premier League to further his development. Sunderland are believed to have set a £20 million valuation for Rigg, while West Ham have also shown interest, reportedly hoping to negotiate a deal closer to £10million. However, reports have now emerged suggesting Spurs have tabled a significant bid for the highly-rated youngster.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur have already submitted an offer for Rigg that is nearly double Sunderland’s valuation in their determination to secure the talented youngster. Spurs have shown a willingness to invest heavily in young talent, having paid £40million to sign Durham-born Archie Gray from Leeds United last summer. Despite his age, the 19-year-old has featured more than expected this season due to injuries within Ange Postecoglou’s squad - a sign that Rigg could also be given opportunities should he make the move to North London.

What has Chris Rigg said about Sunderland recently?

However, speaking during a recent Q&A session with the club’s in-house media team, the England youth international reiterated his love and passion for Sunderland.

Question: “Hi Chris, I have a question for you. What's the best part about playing for Sunderland?”

Answer: “I think some people don't realise how much it means to put on a Sunderland shirt and give it your all for the team. I think I can say that I do every time I go on the pitch. So yeah, it's very special for me to be playing, and I'm trying to take every opportunity that comes. Yeah, I think that probably sums it up, to be honest.”

What Le Bris has said about Chris Rigg recently

Régis Le Bris recently said that Sunderland will manage Rigg carefully after he was dropped for the game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Le Bris added that Rigg was frustrated with what has been a dip in his form from a string of outstanding performances in the opening months of the campaign, but the Sunderland head coach has assured him that this is to be expected in what is his first campaign of regular senior football.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Le Bris took the decision to drop Rigg to the bench for the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, with the youngster making a positive impact as a substitute in the closing stages as Sunderland saw out the win. Rigg was then restored to the starting XI to face Cardiff City but was sub the following game against Preston before playing 90 minutes against Coventry.

The Sunderland head coach says the form and consistency of Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham highlight the benefit of their added experience, with both going through a similar challenge in their first full senior campaigns. It's why Neil and Bellingham are unlikely to be rested significantly in the weeks ahead as Rigg's minutes are carefully managed.

“They are not at the same stage of their career, this is really Chris Rigg’s first season," Le Bris said. "It is a new experience for him. It is not unusual for a player like that to struggle a little bit at this stage of the season, after 35 games. We spoke together last week.

“He said he wasn’t happy about his game level, but I said, ‘It is normal – you just have to adjust to this new experience’. As a club and as a staff, we have to create the right condition for him to be able to recover, then I am sure he will find his best level again.

"With Dan and Jobe, the situation is a little bit different," Le Bris added. "They are more mature and more experienced, even if they are still young. Jobe is still 19, but this is probably his second full season and that makes a bit of a difference. I think he has shown really good qualities. He maybe wasn’t always exactly where he would want to be, but he has maintained a very good performance level.

“He has never dipped too low, and that is probably just a case of him becoming more mature. With that kind of foundation, you can go on and reach the next level. Jobe was able to do that, and I think that has been the case with Dan as well. Because of their experiences, they have learned how not to waste energy on the pitch, like you do when you are younger.

“I think for Riggy, we are still in that phase. Sometimes, he could maybe make different decisions that result in the same outcome, but with less energy. We are here to help him with that, and I hope we are able to manage all three players properly until the end of the season."

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

All of the latest Sunderland-related news and speculation.

Sign up to our Sunderland AFC newsletter

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Despite Sunderland not being in action this weekend due to the international break, there is still plenty of news and speculation doing the rounds on Wearside.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered up a couple of the stories that you might have missed from the past day or two. Check them out below...

Paul Robinson: Jobe Bellingham “fits mould” of Tottenham signing

Former Tottenham Hotspur and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed that Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham “would fit the mould” of a typical signing for his old club. The Black Cats teenager has been in impressive form this season, and has subsequently been linked with a number of high profile suitors, including Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League hopefuls.

And speaking to Tottenham News, Robinson has admitted that he can understand why Spurs might be casting an eye over Bellingham. The pundit said: “He would fit the mould of players that Tottenham sign. You look at what they’ve done over the years, even when they signed me. Young, English, on the fringes of the England team at the time. Me, Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas, Michael Carrick, those types of players.

“And you look at what’s gone on through time, even Archie Gray as well. Jobe Bellingham would fit that category of type of player that Tottenham sign. Whether or not there is a huge shift in recruitment, if this season is a failure, if there’s no Europa League this season and Spurs end up 14th in the Premier League, whether there’s a huge shift in the boardroom and a huge change in the way that Tottenham recruit players, but they’ve always bought players that have got a good sell-on value at the right age. And for that reason, yeah, absolutely, he would fit that mould. But if he became available, I don’t suspect Tottenham would be the only one looking at him.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Luke Molyneux hails Sunderland captain Dan Neil

Elsewhere, former Sunderland prospect Luke Molyneux has delivered his opinion on current Black Cats captain Dan Neil, claiming that the midfielder has always been a “phenomenal” talent.

The 26-year-old, who is currently on the books at Doncaster Rovers after having graduated through the academy ranks on Wearside, and while he is a little older than his former teammate, he did represent the U21s alongside a 16-year-old Neil several years ago.

Reflecting on that experience during an interview with Sunderland’s in-house media team, Molyneux said: “Dan was phenomenal. He just had this natural ability and confidence that made him stand out. To see how well he’s doing now is no surprise at all. You could tell he was going to go far.”

Molyneux also took the time to express his gratitude to Sunderland’s youth system and coaching staff for helping him during the early stages of his career. He added: “They were brilliant with me. They knew how to push you without overwhelming you, and they really helped me understand the game better. It wasn’t just about technical ability – it was about mindset, discipline, and being prepared to work harder than anyone else. I owe them a lot.”