Sunderland may be in store for a nervy January transfer window, with potential incoming bids threatening to wipe out their promotion push this season.
After a blistering start to the season, Sunderland find themselves in 1st place of the Championship table under Regis Le Bris, whose side go up against Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.
It’s a return to the Stadium of Light for the Black Cats, coming after back-to-back wins on the road against Hull City and Luton Town.
The first-team squad on Wearside is really impressing so far. It remains one full of potential, with their young stars seemingly increasing their value all the time.
During the summer, Sunderland sold Jack Clarke for a reported £20million, possibly marking the start of a string of expensive player sales for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ side.
They’ll be mindful of selling too many whilst they’re still in the Championship. But Sunderland may now have a job on their hands in keeping Chris Rigg.
Fresh reports on Manchester United interest in Chris Rigg at Sunderland
Academy gem Rigg has been in fine form this season; such fine form that both Real Madrid and Manchester United are interested Rigg.
It was claimed previously that Manchester United were weighing up a January move for Rigg at Sunderland.
Now, an emerging report from GIVEMESPORT has revealed that Erik ten Hag’s side ‘could be set to make a move’ for Rigg, and that the Red Devils want him to fill their homegrown quota.
In a 25-man Premier League squad, there must be eight homegrown players; players who’ve been registered with a club in England or Wales for three full seasons before their 21st birthday.
Manchester United are also interested in Anthony Patterson, who would also qualify as a homegrown player.
Sunderland star Chris Rigg ranks among world’s best young footballers
A recent study ranked Rigg alongside the likes of Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal as some of the best young footballers around today.
Despite playing in the second tier of England and despite having really only made his mark this season, everyone is quickly realising that Rigg is a serious talent.
He’s now got three goals in the Championship this season. All three have been well-taken goals as well, with Rigg not only a neat finisher but a good passer, a good dribbler, and a very combative player despite his age and stature.
It’s no surprise that Manchester United are seemingly so keen on signing him. For Sunderland, January could be treacherous, and they have to manage the situation correctly.