Transfer: Manchester United fighting hard to beat Real Madrid to the signing younger version of Jude Bellingham
Sunderland’s Chris Rigg during the Sky Bet Championship match. Inset, Roy Keane and Bryan Robson.
HITC is told that Manchester United scouts firmly believe that the club need to succeed in bringing Chris Rigg to the club after failing to land Jude Bellingham.
United publicly made a big play for Bellingham to try and convince him to move to Old Trafford when he was leaving Birmingham City in 2020.
However, Bellingham opted to join Borussia Dortmund instead of United and he has since moved to Real Madrid and become one of the most talked about players in world football and now United want to make sure they don’t miss out on Rigg too.
Chris Rigg of Sunderland back heals the opening goal then celebrates with his team mates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland A…
Man United planning to win Chris Rigg battle
HITC is told that United believe Rigg could have a similar ceiling to Bellingham and they are already looking at making sure they land the Football League’s top talent – unlike in 2020.
United have been hot on Rigg’s trail since he was 15, and have continued closely monitoring him since his breakthrough into Sunderland’s first-team. Indeed, HITC has been informed that United’s scouts feel Rigg has the potential to be their next Bryan Robson or Roy Keane, they feel that strongly about him.
United were one of a number of clubs looking to land him this summer before he signed his first professional contract at the Stadium of Light, but the young midfielder wanted to stay with Sunderland to continue his first-team education.
However, HITC is told that United’s hierarchy are looking closely at a deal for Rigg and Sunderland are bracing themselves up for offers, and sources believing a deal could be agreed in January which would then see the teenager move next summer.
Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid amongst Rigg admirers
United, though, are not alone in their admiration as Newcastle United would love to bring in Rigg, who is a Geordie, but his family are insisting he does not just choose his local side.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen on Rigg and have spoken to his camp, but like with Bellingham the main danger could come from abroad and ironically it could be Borussia Dortmund again.
HITC can confirm that Dortmund, along with Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are huge admirers. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also aware of Rigg’s progress.
Rigg was the hero for Sunderland on the weekend as he scored a brilliant back-heel flick to give his side a 1-0 win over local rivals Middlesbrough and HITC can confirm a number of his suitors were present at the Stadium of Light to see his performance.
After the game Rigg was delighted to have got the winner, and told Sky Sports: “My first goal of the season and hopefully many more, I didn’t have enough numbers last year and I am trying to improve on that.”
Teammate Luke O’Nien also spoke after the game and he was full of praise for Rigg: “He is unbelievable, the things he does in training, it is a pleasure to watch, it is memorising. One of our best players and he is doing what he does.”
Related Topics
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham
Man Utd are chasing Chris Rigg who is drawing comparisons with Jude Bellingham
Manchester United are tracking Sunderland ace and Real Madrid target Chris Rigg who is drawing early comparisons with Jude Bellingham, and a report claims the Red Devils could seal a deal as early as January.
Central midfielder Rigg is only 17 years of age, though his dazzling displays in the very early stages of his Sunderland career have got numerous giant clubs hot under the collar. HITC reported earlier in September that Real Madrid were in the mix with RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund for Rigg’s signature.
HITC then stated they have ‘been told by scouts working with two of Europe’s top clubs that they regard Rigg as ‘the best young English player since Jude Bellingham.’
But per a fresh update from the same outlet, Man Utd could barge Real Madrid and co aside by striking a quickfire deal in January.
Red Devils scouts are reportedly determined to sign Rigg and avoid a repeat of their near miss with the player he’s being compared with – Jude Bellingham.
Man Utd attempted to sign Bellingham when he left Birmingham City back in 2020. Unfortunately for Man Utd, Bellingham chose Borussia Dortmund.
United are desperate to go one better with Rigg and the report added ‘sources believe a deal could be agreed in January which would then see the teenager move next summer.’
Man Utd have already tried to sign Chris Rigg before
Man Utd as well as Newcastle both sought to sign Rigg prior to the midfielder signing his first professional contract with Sunderland upon turning 17 over the summer.
The youngster instead penned a three-year deal with the Black Cats and Rigg has started Sunderland’s last five Championship matches.
He scored his first goal of the season on Saturday when bagging the winner against Middlesbrough with a cheeky back heel finish.
Chris Rigg, take a BOW! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jwCquWElwG
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 21, 2024
Real Madrid have reportedly been monitoring Rigg’s progress for at least 12 months. Joining either Leipzig or Dortmund – who are both known for developing young players – could also appeal to Rigg.
Man Utd therefore have work to do to win the race for the coveted central midfielder. What’s more, HITC stated Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen. Newcastle too must be contended with.
But with the report concluding Man Utd believe Rigg could become a modern-day version of Bryan Robson or Roy Keane, it certainly sounds like they’ll spare no expense with their attempts to sign the teenage sensation.
Max Allegri contact / Mason Greenwood return?
Elsewhere, Man Utd have reportedly touched base with out-of-work manager Max Allegri who most recently managed Juventus.
Per Calciomercato, Allegri has emerged as a contingency plan in case Man Utd sack Erik ten Hag. Allegri is reportedly open to taking the reins.
In other Man Utd news, sporting director Dan Ashworth is reportedly keen to open talks over the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The Brazil international would be viewed as an upgrade on Casemiro and United would need to spend €50m (£41.9m / $55.8m) to get the green light from Atalanta.
United’s stance on re-signing Mason Greenwood – who’s scored five goals in four matches since joining Marseille – has also emerged.
Chris Rigg vs Jude Bellingham
Chris Rigg in 2023/24: Apps 21, Goals 2, Assists 2, Age at first league goal, 16 years, 2 months and 15 days, Minutes per goal in league 399.5
Rigg became Sunderland’s youngest ever goalscorer in senior competition back in August of 2023.
Aged just 16 years and 51 days, Rigg netted in an EFL Cup clash with Crewe Alexandra.
The midfielder also went on to become Sunderland’s youngest ever league scorer less than one month later when bagging in a 5-0 victory over Southampton.
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