Long-term Man United target signs new deal, future transfer now a lot harder

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Manchester United have suffered a blow to their potential transfer plans with one long-term target committing his future elsewhere.

Four major signings have arrived at Manchester United this summer, but Ineos are nowhere near done in the transfer window.

United have spent close to £200m on new signings, but Ruben Amorim will hope for even further backing after a poor start to the season. There are still some key flaws in the squad that need to be addressed.

In particular, United are in advanced talks with Senne Lammens as a new goalkeeper is needed, while a midfielder is also at the top of the shopping list.

Jason Wilcox and his recruitment department will be working hard behind the scenes to try and address those weaknesses, but one long-term target is off the market.

£25m Man United target commits to new deal

The transfer strategy at United has shifted since the takeover to target more young and exciting players, and one of the targets on the club’s radar was Sunderland’s Chris Rigg.

United showed interest in Chris Rigg following his incredible breakthrough at Sunderland, and reports claimed the 18-year-old talent was available for around £25 million.

United scouts were impressed by Rigg, but a potential deal for the youngster just got a whole lot harder.

Sunderland announced on Thursday that Rigg has signed a new long-term deal, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until 2030.

The Black Cats may have felt pressured to sell Rigg if United made a move, but now they hold complete negotiating power. The idea of a £25 million move now feels much more unrealistic.

Chris Rigg deal will likely hinge on Sunderland’s survival

Last season, Rigg said he wanted to stay at Sunderland and represent his boyhood club in the Premier League.

He played a key role in their promotion and has now decided to stay put with the Black Cats.

READ MORE: Who is Manchester United transfer target Chris Rigg? Age, position, stats and comparisons to Roy Keane

Sunderland have started well in the Premier League and currently sit seventh after two matches, but they still remain one of the favourites to be in a relegation scrap come the end of the season.

It is not known whether Rigg’s contract includes a release clause or not, but it seems United’s only hope of signing him in the near future would rely on Sunderland dropping down to the Championship.