CHRIS Rigg is set to sign a two-year scholarship contract with Sunderland, in what is a huge boost for the Black Cats and a show of faith in the club from the in-demand youngster.

Rigg, who became Sunderland's youngest ever outfield player after making his debut last season aged just 15, was wanted by Newcastle and Manchester United, with other Premier League clubs closely monitoring his situation.

The midfielder, who has just turned 16, is currently free to sign for any club and there had been fears last season that the gifted teenager would leave the Stadium of Light, but he's now set to commit to the Wearsiders.

It's yet another huge vote of confidence in Sunderland, with the club's philosophy and faith in young players having helped them capture Jobe Bellingham this summer. Luis Semedo, 19, and Nectar Triantis and Jenson Seelt, both 20, have also joined.

Rigg made his Sunderland first team debut in the FA Cup win at Shrewsbury and almost scored a dramatic late winner after coming off the bench in the fourth round at Fulham, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. He again came off the bench in the replay at the Stadium of Light.

Last season, Mowbray said of Rigg: "I've just watched him in training and I wish you could put some of that fire in his belly into some of the other players.

"He gets wellied into everybody, he doesn't bother about reputations, he just gets stuck in and wins tackles, puts his body in, shoots, fights. He plays like the kid in the playground."

While Rigg will stay with Sunderland, 14-year-old goalkeeper Toby Bell looks set to join Chelsea this summer. Manchester City had also been interested.