Manchester United set to make ‘official bid’ for one of England’s top talents, he could be the next Jude Bellingham

Frustratingly, United were unable to complete the deal, with Bellingham preferring a move to the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. Now he is a possible candidate for the Ballon d’Or with Real Madrid.

Sir Alex Ferguson was frustrated by United’s failed launch, while Bryan Robson said he believed United had done the deal. It wasn’t meant to be.

Now, a similar situation could arise as United battle the Bundesliga’s interest in one of the league’s top talents.

Manchester United want to sign Chris Rigg

Manchester United are pushing to sign Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg, regarded as one of the country’s best young midfielders.

We Are Sunderland are reporting that Manchester United will make a “formal offer” for the 16-year-old.

Rigg will be eligible to sign professional terms with a new club from June 18.

The report states: “It is Manchester United who are ready to make the strongest move for Rigg, with the teenager understood to feature prominently in the new Old Trafford regime’s attempts to overhaul its academy set-up.”

Rigg actually plays alongside Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe at Sunderland, and there are comparisons with alternative Bundesliga interests.

Sun report Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are tracking Chris Rigg and are interested in a summer move.

It would be very disappointing for United to lose another young midfielder with high potential in similar circumstances.

Who is Chris Rigg?

Manchester United have a long-standing interest in Rigg dating back to a year ago, but the Red Devils were unwilling to pay Sunderland’s asking price.

He was first linked with the club in January 2023, shortly before making his professional debut at the age of 15.

Rigg went on to make 21 appearances for Sunderland this season in the Championship, scoring twice.

He is an England youth international with 11 caps for the under-17s and three for the under-18s and has teamed up with United youngster Shea Lacey for the Three Lions.

It’s easy to see how he’s on the radar of United’s scouts, and Riggs is the type of young player the club should be targeting to build for the future.

Let’s see if the club can do it this time or if Rigg will become another one that got away.