MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 19:38:12| >> :60:2425:2425:

Man United watching wonderkid "nearly every week" as Red Devils look to win race for generational talent

'Very good relationship': How Man United could beat rivals to wonderkid's signature
© Imago
Manchester United's strong relationship with Sunderland could allegedly put the Red Devils in pole position to sign teenager Chris Rigg next summer.

Manchester United's "very good relationship with Sunderland" could allegedly put the Red Devils in pole position to sign teenager Chris Rigg during next summer's transfer window.

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents in English football and has starred for Sunderland during the 2024-25 campaign, making 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times in the process.

Rigg has netted three times in his last eight Championship appearances, and there is thought to be a host of interest surrounding him, with Chelsea and Real Madrid believed to be pushing for his signature.

Man United, meanwhile, allegedly feel that the midfielder could be 'the next Roy Keane', with the Red Devils said to have been in touch with Sunderland during last summer's transfer window to register their interest.

Sunderland's Chris Rigg pictured on August 13, 2024© Imago

Man United are "definitely" interested in Rigg, claims club's former chief scout

According to Man United's former chief scout Mick Brown, the 20-time English champions have been watching Rigg "nearly every week this season", and the club's "very good relationship" with Sunderland could place them in a strong position to get a deal done.

"He's definitely one they're interested in," he told Football Insider. "He fits the profile of a young player who they can help develop. They've had scouts watching him closely at Sunderland nearly every week this season.

"They will know how good he is and how far they think he can go in the game, and from what I've heard they've been very impressed. Man United have a very good relationship with Sunderland behind the scenes, too.

"There are a number of young players up and down the country that they've sent scouts to watch, but Rigg's performances have been very, very impressive. I think they'll keep an eye on his progress and then determine whether they think he's ready for the step up, but all signs suggest he will be capable."

Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe on October 6, 2024© Imago

How much would Sunderland teenager Rigg cost?

Sunderland would allegedly want as much as £30m for Rigg, with the midfielder contracted to the Black Cats until June 2027.

The midfielder made three FA Cup appearances for Sunderland during the 2022-23 season before featuring on 22 occasions in all competitions last term.

Rigg only turned 17 in June, but he has already made 39 appearances for the Black Cats, with 34 of those outings coming in the Championship, and it is not difficult to see why he is so highly-rated.

Sunderland may earn promotion to the Premier League for the 2025-26 campaign, but it is unlikely to be enough to keep hold of Rigg, as some of the most powerful clubs in world football circle for his services.

ID:557603:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4513:

Click here for more stories about Chris Rigg

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Sunderland's Chris Rigg pictured on April 20, 2024
Read Next:
How much? Man United, Chelsea 'learn asking price' for Championship wonderkid
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!