MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to run fresh checks on Chris Rigg during Sunderland’s dramatic derby win at Middlesbrough.
The Red Devils expressed interest in the young midfielder as early as November 2024 and planned to go for him in the January window.
GettyMan Utd sent scouts to watch Chris Rigg during Sunderland’s derby win[/caption]
RexThe Black Cats mounted an extraordinary comeback to move fourth in the Championship[/caption]
Rigg only signed his first professional contract on Wearside last summer and committed himself to the club until 2027.
But United’s interest has not gone away, after Old Trafford talent spotters were sent to watch the wonderkid play again.
It is understood that scouts surveyed Rigg’s performance during Sunderland‘s last-gasp 3-2 win over Boro on Monday, which was deadline day.
A late Ryan Giles own goal saw the Black Cats, who also boast Jobe Bellingham in their ranks, snatch victory and keep themselves right in the race automatic promotion.
While Rigg didn’t score or assist and came off after 72 minutes this time around, he provided a stunning finish in the reverse fixture in September.
The 17-year-old is regarded as the best player to come out of the Championship since former Birmingham midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The teenager, who considers himself a “traditional attacking midfielder”, has impressed for the promotion chasers, bagging four goals and one assist in 28 games.
With United balancing delicate PSR issues, Rigg is seen by Ineos as a young player available for a reasonable price with future sell-on potential.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Several United stars are out of contract in the summer and Rigg’s estimated market value is in the region of £25million.
But the Red Devils are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Rigg, who turns 18 in June.
GettyRigg and Wilson Isidor celebrating Sunderland’s crucial Tees-Wear derby win[/caption]
Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Chelsea have also watched him play several times this season, while Real Madrid were reportedly admirers.
Rigg – who starts as a No 10 – impressed for England under-18s over the summer following his breakthrough campaign.
He made 21 appearances last term and has been with the Black Cats since he was at primary school.
The Tyneside- born star became the second youngest player in the club’s history while still at school last January, behind Derek Foster.
Sunderland have been the surprise package of the Championship season so far under new French manager Regis Le Bris.
After enjoying a long spell at the top of the table a few months ago, the club sit fourth and are fighting for promotion to the Prem, after finishing 16th last term.
The Red and White army were relegated from the English top-flight in the 2016-2017 campaign and dropped to League One for four seasons in between now and then.
Failure to win promotion this season however could lead to Sunderland seeking to cash in on Rigg next summer, when he will have just two years left on his deal.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.