6 months ago
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Manchester United will reportedly table a bid for Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg this summer.
The 16-year-old has already broken into the Black Cats’ first team, despite not yet signing his first professional contract with the club.
FA rules stipulate that players under the age of 17 cannot yet sign professional terms, and so Rigg remains on a two-year scholarship deal in the north-east that he signed last summer.
It means Sunderland must wait until June 18th – when Rigg turns 17 – before offering him professional terms but that’s created a window of opportunity for other clubs.
Rigg has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs but the Northern Echo says United lead the race, and will make an offer for Rigg before he can sign terms with Sunderland.
Given he is on a scholarship deal, Sunderland would be due compensation for the attacking midfielder.
However, Sunderland still hope to convince Rigg to stay and will attempt to persuade him by pointing to the number of opportunities that he’s had at the Stadium of Light already.
Rigg has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the north-east, scoring 3 goals in 22 appearances.
United are keen to overhaul their academy this summer, with new technical director Jason Wilcox now in charge of the youth team.
But United are far from the only interested party, with Arsenal and arch rivals Newcastle also interested in the teenager.
Should it transpire that Rigg does not want to sign professional terms at Sunderland, the Black Cats will field offers.
But should none of those prove acceptable, a case could go to a tribunal like Harvey Elliot’s move to Liverpool, which saw Fulham paid £4.3m.
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