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Manchester United are keen to ensure they do not miss out on Championship sensation Chris Rigg, who continues to make headlines with Sunderland.
United’s unsuccessful pursuit of Bellingham has been widely reported over the years. In 2020, the Red Devils were determined to sign the Englishman from Birmingham City.
During his visit to Carrington, the then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even brought in Sir Alex Ferguson to lure the midfield talent to Old Trafford.
However, the Englishman eventually decided Borussia Dortmund was a more suitable place for his growth.
He has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in Europe, regularly showing his technical ability and goal-scoring prowess for Real Madrid — and in the process, proving to be one of United’s biggest transfer failures of recent times.
A report from HITC suggests United want to avoid a repeat of that saga and make sure they do not miss out on Rigg as well.
It is understood the club scouts “firmly believe” they need to win the race for “new Bellingham” Rigg.
During the summer transfer window, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the Premier League giants were ready to make a move for the Sunderland attacking midfielder.
However, Rigg, who at 15 became Sunderland’s youngest ever debutant, eventually made a decision to sign his first professional contract at the Stadium of Light in July.
United have been following the Sunderland talent since he was 15, and it is claimed that their scouts feel the England Under-17 captain has the potential to be their “next Bryan Robson or Roy Keane.”
Despite the 17-year-old’s decision to extend his stay at Sunderland, United are looking closely at a deal for him. It is believed Sunderland are “bracing themselves up” for proposals, and a deal could allegedly be “agreed in January which would then see the teenager move next summer.”
However, the Mancunian giants may have to compete with Newcastle United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
HITC add that the most serious challenge for Rigg’s signature could come from abroad. Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig are all thought to be huge admirers of the player.
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