Manchester United are ready to step up their long-term interest in Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, according to Caught Offside.
The 17-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. Having risen through the ranks at the Stadium of Light, he was said to have been the subject of attention from a host of Premier League clubs before penning his first contract at the Black Cats last summer.
Although his current deal is set to run until 2027, the teenager is set to become embroiled in a bidding war at the end of this season. He has been an almost ever present under Regis Le Bris, playing a key role in the centre of midfield. With four goals in 34 appearances, Rigg looks set to play a part in the play-offs, where Sunderland will be hoping to earn a place in the top tier for the first time since 2017.
Manchester United Make Rigg ‘Top Target’
Rigg has impressed on international duty with England under-19s this week, further enhancing his reputation. Aside from Manchester United, the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have all been touted with an interest in the young star.
The Red Devils are determined to win the race though. According to reports, manager Ruben Amorim and those above him at Old Trafford are all aligned in the opinion that Rigg is a ‘must-have signing’. The 20-time English champions are facing a huge summer, where they will look to take the first steps into returning to the upper reaches of European football after enduring their worst campaign of the Premier League era.
Therefore, it is claimed that work has already begun on the transfer, where they are likely to launch a pursuit once the window reopens in June.
Writer’s View
Chris Rigg has consistently stated that he is enjoying life at Sunderland and it will be interesting to see if he remains in the North East next season. That seems more likely if they earn promotion to the Premier League, but it still won’t halt a bidding war for his services this summer. Manchester United are in dire need of reinforcements and won’t want to miss out on such a talent. They famously lost the battle for Jude Bellingham whilst he was at Birmingham City and the Red Devils will be hoping that lightning doesn’t strike twice.
