Man Utd set to push to seal Sunderland AFC transfer - Ruben Amorim wants him | OneFootball

The 17-year-old has attracted interest from across the Premier League

Manchester United have reportedly placed Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg at the top of their summer transfer wish list.

That’s according to a report from CaughtOffside, who revealed the extent of the Red Devils’ interest in the young midfielder.

Rigg broke through into the senior squad with the Black Cats last season, but has made himself a first-team regular this term.

Given he is still just 17 years old, that rapid rise has caught the attention of United along with plenty of other Premier League sides.

Manchester United view Rigg as “must-have” following Ruben Amorim approval

The midfielder, according to the same report, has been labelled a “must-have” by those inside Old Trafford, including Ruben Amorim.

It went on to reveal that work has already commenced to try and get a summer deal over the line.

Given his age, it is not yet clear whether Rigg would start out with United’s academy sides or go straight in with the first team. However, young stars like Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have both been given opportunities under Amorim so, with a wealth of senior experience under his belt at Sunderland, it seems unlikely he’d spend much time, if any, below the first team.

Rigg has played the majority of his football in the attacking midfield role at the Stadium of Light this season. With Amorim fielding dual no.10s in his 3-4-2-1 formation – along with Rigg being a very adaptable player through the centre of the pitch – there’s likely to be plenty of opportunities for minutes in the side.

Bidding war could easily break out over Rigg

It’s unknown what sort of fee United would need to pay to land Rigg’s signature, but a report from Spain may give a clue.

Fichajes.net claim that fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have put in a bid of €45m for the England U19 international, some way over the £25m valuation placed on Rigg just last month.

It’s little surprise that the midfielder’s value is spiralling, with United and Spurs joined by Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Brighton in their Rigg interest.

With the way he’s broken onto the senior scene at such a young age, and with the level of clubs already tracking him, they are unlikely to be the only suitors.

Smart Sunderland action put them in the driving seat for Rigg negotiations

The feeling at Sunderland is that they are going to struggle to keep Rigg in the summer, after fending off January interest.

Nevertheless, they made the smart move of tying the young star down to a three-year contract last summer, giving them the power to hold out for the best fee in any negotiations given his terms run until 2027.

The intention behind the relatively lengthy deal was clear from the outset.

“Chris’ talent, and more recently his performances within the first team, made interest and speculation inevitable,” sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said following the signing of that deal. “It is a testament to all behind the scenes that he has committed his future to our club.”

Rigg’s future may soon lie beyond the Stadium of Light with such strong interest from the likes of United, but the Black Cats hold the power to ensure any move is done on their terms.