Newcastle transfer rumours as Magpies and Man Utd scout ‘next Jordan Henderson’
All of the latest Newcastle United transfer headlines including updates on Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg and Brentford defender Benjamin Arthur
Rigg scouted
Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg made history last weekend at becoming the youngest scorer in the league in the club’s history, netting the final goal in the thumping 5-0 victory over Southampton. The 16-year-old midfielder rose highest at the far post to nod Jewison Bennette’s cross beyond Gavin Bazunu.
It is the latest milestone in a remarkable rise for Rigg, who hails from Hebburn and from a family who all support Newcastle. The teenager could have been lured away over the summer, with the Black Cats vulnerable to only banking a nominal compensation fee.
However, Rigg was seemingly convinced to remain due to the promise of first-team opportunities, with Tony Mowbray charged with bringing through emerging talent as well as keeping the Black Cats competitive. Manchester United and Newcastle United both hold an ‘intense interest’ in the midfielder and have scouted the player, according to i News.
When asked about Rigg’s potential, an unnamed North East scout told the title: “You don’t want to put pressure on such a young lad but in terms of his impact, his dynamism and his attitude it has to be Jordan Henderson. Jordan’s a Premier League winner, how many [England] caps and has been the Liverpool captain so it’s a high standard to live up to – which is why I hesitate to say that name – but this boy has the potential to match that, without a doubt. His potential is absolutely huge.”
Arthur claim
Newcastle were among a host of Premier League sides linked with Peterborough United prospect Benji Arthur this summer. The 17-year-old ultimately signed for Brentford, and Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has discussed the interest and negotiations behind his exit.
He told The Hard Truth Podcast: “The only person who was fully respectful to us was Matthew Benham at Brentford, when they bought Benji Arthur, who is a scholar. Benji wouldn’t sign a pro deal and we had 20 Premier League clubs [looking at him].”
“The England under-18 manager said he was one of the best centre-backs at that age, let alone for England, and it just set off a whole thing during July and August that all the top clubs, like my Liverpool, hadn’t been to a Posh game and they were coming to our under-21 games, first time I had seen them, and they were all looking at Benji.
“We had a price which was nearly a record for a League One scholar, plus millions in add ons, as I think he will be in their first team in three years’ time. And knowing Brentford, they will probably sell him for £60 or £70 million.
“We have a solid sell on, so we will make millions off it, but to be fair to Matthew, I had a figure up-front and I never changed on the figure and he got the figure, bang.”
