Manchester United plan to sign Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg in January
Manchester United are set to 'step up' their interest in signing 17-year-old Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg in early January. transfer window, according to talkSPORT.
The youngster has earned plaudits from pundits and fans alike for his performances for the Black Cats since making his debut for the club in 2023 under former manager Tony Mowbray at the age of 15. He has featured in all six EFL Championship games for Régis Le Bris’ side and made headlines last weekend after his outrageous backheel sealed a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.
According talkSPORTUnited are among a host of clubs in the Premier League to indicate interest in Rigg after having followed the progress of the youngster, dubbed the next Jude Bellingham.
The report adds that the Red Devils could make their first bid to sign the England Under-18 international as early as the January transfer window in order to win the race for the Englishman.
Having emerged as Sunderland's youngest ever debutant and goalscorer, talkSPORT reports that the midfield star fits perfectly into the profile of the young players that INEOS is looking to bring to the club.
Rigg's contract at the Stadium of Light runs until the summer of 2027 and is currently valued at €9m (£7m). Transfer market.
Young prospect
While United are building a strong first-team squad, the club are also working on acquiring some top young prospects for the future.
Teenage Malian midfielder Sekou Kone was signed from Guidars FC last summer, while prolific teenage centre-forward Chido Obi-Martin is on the verge of a move to Old Trafford from Arsenal.
Manchester United recently completed the signing of 17-year-old Slovak winger Samuel Lusale from Crystal Palace, while highly-rated teenage full-back James Overy joined from Australian side Perth Glory.
Rigg could be the next highly-rated talent to move to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils having courted the youngster for a potential transfer this winter.
The midfield gem has already garnered significant first-team experience in a solid EFL Championship side and making the step up to the Premier League should not be a daunting challenge for the youngster considering his immense potential.
