Newcastle United could raid Sunderland with controversial £25m move for midfielder

Newcastle United will try and tempt one Sunderland player to make a controversial move this summer.

It has been just over a year since the last Tyne-Wear derby when Alexander Isak’s brace and an own-goal from Daniel Ballard gave Newcastle United a 3-0 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup.

The two North East clubs have been on very different paths in recent years. While Sunderland eye a return to the Premier League while fourth in the Championship, Newcastle are chasing a return to the Champions League.

After a quiet January window, Newcastle are expected to spend big in the summer and with Sean Longstaff facing an uncertain future, a central midfielder will be on the shopping list.

Newcastle could pile more misery onto their neighbours with reports suggesting they will try

Newcastle United interested in signing Sunderland’s Chris Rigg

Newcastle’s interest in Chris Rigg dates back to 2023, when the teenage midfielder was bursting onto the scene at the Stadium of Light.

Rigg’s family are supposedly Newcastle fans, and the Magpies have kept a keen interest in the young midfielder.

Newcastle scouts were sent to watch Rigg regularly last year, and there are plenty of clubs lining up a move for the 17-year-old this summer. Sunderland were confident about keeping Rigg, but that may all change in a few months.

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle are one of several clubs showing an interest in signing Rigg this summer.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are named as Newcastle’s biggest competition for the young midfielder, while Chelsea, Manchester City, Brighton and even Real Madrid are other potential suitors.

Newcastle academy star Adam Armstrong almost joined Sunderland in the summer which would have added his name to the list, but he instead joined West Brom.

Jack Colback, Lee Clark and Titus Bramble are among the names who have played plenty of games for both clubs.

Andy Cole is a Newcastle legend, but he also spent a season with Sunderland towards the later stages of his career.

If Rigg does plan on moving to Newcastle this summer, he will have to add his name to that list of players.