Premier League giants Manchester United are continuing to pursue Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, according to talkSPORT.
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the 17-year-old and were heavily rumoured to be keen on bringing him to Old Trafford before he committed his future to Sunderland last summer. Rigg eventually penned a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light which is set to run until 2027.
Despite that, Premier League clubs continue to circle, with reports throughout the transfer window claiming that he could be the subject of a bid from the likes of Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion. This led to claims that the Wearsiders had placed a £25 million valuation on his head.
The teenager has been a key player for the Black Cats since the appointment of Regis Le Bris. He has featured in 26 of their 30 games and has consistently been praised for the impact he has on the team.
Manchester United Despatch Scouts
Via The People’s Person, the 20-time English champions had scouts in attendance for last night’s 3-2 win over Middlesbrough. It is claimed that Rigg was the subject of their attention.
United have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s development this season and have regularly been present at Sunderland fixtures. It is further stated that they are keen to ensure that they are in the running for the player once the expected bidding war kicks off this summer.
Other clubs that have been linked in the past include Newcastle United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Writer’s View
Chris Rigg is a player that Manchester United are seemingly desperate to recruit. Their interest pre-dates the appointment of Ruben Amorim and it was claimed that Erik ten Hag was keen to bring him on board last summer. This potentially means that it is the club rather than the manager that don’t want to miss out, just as they have on a host of top young talent over the past few years. Sunderland know that they have a jewel on their hands and one that is likely to see them inherit a significant sum. A January sale was never on the cards, especially with their push for promotion in full swing. It will be interesting to see if he remains at the club should Sunderland achieve a place in the Premier League.
