Sunderland star Chris Rigg appears to be the next wonderkid on Manchester United’s transfer radar.
Since the Ineos takeover, Manchester United have poached several exciting youngsters from across the globe including Chido Obi and Sekou Kone in the summer.
On the weekend, Ruben Amorim named United’s youngest-ever Premier League starting XI against Brentford – a nod to just how youthful this current Red Devils squad is.
Approaching the next transfer window, the strategy will remain the same and United are in the market for a new central midfielder with Christian Eriksen set to leave at the end of the season.
United’s scouts admire Chris Rigg following his incredible season in the Championship.
Chris Rigg discusses his Premier League ‘dream’
Before the summer window swings open, Rigg is focused on the Championship play-offs after Sunderland finished fourth in the league table.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Rigg discusses his future and reveals his dream to play in the Premier League.
“I don’t listen to any of the speculation,” Rigg said. “I’ve got far more important things to worry about, like trying to get Sunderland promoted.”
“I’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of me, especially if I’m going to get where I want to be. I want to get to the very top.
“I’ve not achieved anything in the game. The first thing is to try and get promoted. If we can win the play-offs, yeah I can say I’ve achieved something.
“I want to play for my country, I want to win things. I want to play in the Premier League for Sunderland, that has always been the dream.”
Clearly Rigg is laser-focused on getting Sunderland back to the top flight, but his aspirations of playing for the Black Cats could make a summer deal more difficult.
Man United latest transfer updates on Chris Rigg
Rigg is viewed as a ‘generational’ talent by United, so Ineos are keen to get a deal over the line for the teenage midfielder.
Reports claim United want both Rigg and Jobe Bellingham and therefore could raid Sunderland for both midfielders in the summer.
If Sunderland fall short in the Championship play-offs, both deals will be much simpler—and likely cheaper.
READ MORE: Chris Rigg stance on Man Utd move revealed, Ineos’ interest in £30m wonderkid getting serious
Rigg is expected to cost around £25m this summer, which is well within the budget, especially with Ineos planning to raise over £100m in sales.
A move to Old Trafford appeals to Rigg, despite his suggestion that he wants to stay with Sunderland in the top flight.
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