Manchester United are expected to move for at least one central midfielder during this summer's transfer window.
Christian Eriksen will leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of June, while there is also speculation surrounding the futures of both Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, so it is possible that a couple of new players in that area of the field could be required.
Man United's transfer policy is no longer centred around bringing in high-profile established players, rather searching for outstanding youngsters, with Ayden Heaven a recent example of how low-cost signings of real quality can be found.
Here, Sports Mole picks out three players operating in the Championship who could potentially make the move to Old Trafford this summer, and the trio are said to be the subject of interest from a host of clubs ahead of the summer market.
Chris Rigg (Sunderland)
Rumoured price: £25m
© Imago
Rigg has been outstanding for the Black Cats during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring four times and registering one assist in 36 appearances, with the 17-year-old establishing himself in the Sunderland midfield.
The Englishman is performing at an incredible level considering his age, and it is understood that Red Devils scouts believe that he could be 'the next Roy Keane' and are therefore desperate for their club to secure his signature.
Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be keen on Rigg, who has made 61 appearances for Sunderland in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in the process.
Rigg certainly fits the brief when it comes to Man United's new transfer policy, and it is believed that he could be available this summer for around £25m, which might end up being a real bargain considering his potential.
Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)
Rumoured price: £20m
© Imago
Bellingham's future is also currently the subject of much speculation, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund said to be keen on the midfielder, who is the brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old has been in strong form for Sunderland this season, scoring four goals and registering three assists in 34 appearances in the Championship, with the Black Cats currently challenging for promotion to the Premier League.
Bellingham could allegedly be available for around £20m this summer, which will surely be enticing for Premier League clubs, while it would represent a huge sale for Sunderland considering that he arrived for just £1.5m from Birmingham City in 2023.
The teenager has made 81 appearances for Sunderland, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists in the process, while he has played three times for England Under-21s, including against France on Friday night.
Man United will face competition for Bellingham, but having missed out on his brother back in 2020, they should ensure that this is not a transfer that gets away from them.
Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)
Rumoured price: £20m
© Imago
Hackney is playing under a manager who knows a thing or two about dominating a midfield, with Michael Carrick undoubtedly one of the most underrated players in recent history, and he starred for Man United between 2006 and 2018.
Carrick is a huge fan of Hackney, and the latter could now potentially have the chance to make the move to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old has scored five times and registered two assists in 35 Championship appearances this season, and it is believed that he is on Tottenham's radar, while Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have also been linked with him.
Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders outside of the Premier League, it will surely not be long before Hackney leaves the Riverside Stadium for a major team, and Carrick's influence could help Man United in their pursuit of him.
Matt Law
