What we know so far about Man Utd's interest in Sunderland AFC star Chris Rigg | OneFootball

Football League World rounds up all we know about Man United's transfer interest in Sunderland star Chris Rigg

Chris Rigg has emerged among the hottest properties in the Championship following a scintillating start to the new season with Sunderland, who find themselves situated in second-place.

A homegrown product of the Academy of Light, Rigg debuted for the Black Cats at the tender age of 15 against Shrewsbury Town in January 2023 and he has gone on to gradually become a key part of the first-team picture.

Rigg made 21 league appearances across the course of the 2023/24 Championship campaign, but he has doubtless gone up a notch following the appointment of Regis Le Bris - which is already proving to be an inspired one for all involved. Having won five of their opening six encounters, Sunderland are now beginning to transpire as a genuine promotion contender and can attribute much of their early-season success to Rigg, who has been sensational in the early stages.

After appearing from the bench in his side's opening day victory at Cardiff City, Rigg has started each of Sunderland's five subsequent Championship affairs. He opened his account for the season by scoring the only goal of the game to inspire Sunderland to a 1-0 Tees-Wear Derby win over Middlesbrough on the weekend, an audacious backheeled effort which has earned him even more plaudits.

The interest that Rigg is attracting, then, should really come as no surprise, and Manchester United appear to be particularly keen on acquiring his signature. With that in mind, Football League World rounds up what we already know about the Red Devils' interest in the 17-year-old prodigy...

Manchester United's interest in Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg

According to a recent report from talkSPORT, United are "ready to step up" their pursuit of the teenage starlet. The outlet claims that United are one of a number of Premier League clubs to be monitoring Rigg, who has grown his reputation further this season.

Indeed, talkSPORT's report adds that United could launch a move for Rigg as early as the January transfer window, with Newcastle United believed to be interested in poaching their rival's prized asset, too.

Elsewhere, it has been claimed by HITC that United's deal could be agreed in January before seeing Rigg complete his move to Old Trafford in the summer. The report states that United believe Rigg to have similar potential to Jude Bellingham, who they missed out on in 2020 when he joined Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City.

It is believed that United scouts have tipped Rigg to be the next Bryan Robson or Roy Keane at the club, such is their faith in his potential.

Man United will face competition for Sunderland's Chris Rigg

Rather unsurprisingly, United are far from the only club looking to work a deal for the young midfielder. Alongside Newcastle, who Rigg is believed to support, Premier League rivals in Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are also said to have spoken to the player's representatives over a potential move.

However, the main concern is reportedly a move abroad, with Dortmund looking to replicate their Bellingham success by eyeing a swoop for Rigg.

Elsewhere, HITC also claims that Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and even Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona are all interested.

Man United's long-term interest in Sunderland's Chris Rigg

It could be easy - and perfectly reasonable, too - to be drawn into admiration purely from Rigg's early exploits in 24/25, but United are said to have a long-standing interest.

HITC's report additionally notes that they have been "hot on his trail" since the age of 15, monitoring him closely following his graduation to Sunderland's first-team squad. As per the report, United were looking to sign Rigg this summer, although he opted to remain at the Stadium of Light by putting pen to paper on his first professional contract -a three-year deal.

The agreement of that deal will, of course, enable Sunderland to drive up a significant asking price. The Black Cats are no longer at risk of losing him for a paltry compensation fee and will naturally be unwilling to part ways easily.

Tying Rigg down to a long-term professional deal was a big boost for Sunderland, with the likes of United, Newcastle, Dortmund, Chelsea, Bayern and Man City all having reportedly been interested before he signed that contract. However, many of those teams appear to have retained their interest and that will be a concern for both Sunderland and United, who have stern competition in the race for his signature.