West Ham transfer target Chris Rigg wants to sign for a team with realistic ambitions of winning trophies and qualifying for Europe, according to GiveMeSport.

The Hammers (along with Crystal Palace) were interested in buying the 17-year-old from Sunderland during the summer transfer window.

However, at the time, Rigg decided to remain at the Stadium of Light and put pen to paper on his first professional contract.

West Ham were still said to be keen on the teenager, but GiveMeSport claims that the midfielder‘s stance on his next club is” likely to go against” Julen Lopetegui’s team.

The Irons sit 14th in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s match against Newcastle, and European qualification seems rather unlikely at this stage

Who could sign the player instead of West Ham?

It is believed that Manchester United are the club most likely to make a bid for the player in January.

Chelsea have also been mentioned as potential suitors (along with West Ham, Palace and Wolves), but the Red Devils are the side who are most serious about making a formal approach.

Rigg won’t be available on the cheap

Another issue that the Hammers would have had to face is the youngster’s asking price. Sunderland are extremely reluctant to let Rigg leave and it is thought that they will make every effort to keep hold of him in January, with the Black Cats seemingly on course to challenge for automatic promotion.

Even so, more than one source has suggested a fee of around £30m could be enough to sign Rigg. Considering West Ham’s limited financial resources, the midfielder may well have been too expensive for the club anyway, even if he was open to a move to the London Stadium.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here