Manchester United are eyeing up a move to sign the two jewels in Sunderland’s crown this summer, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham.
Since taking the helm of football operations within Manchester United, the clear plan of action has been to recruit the most talented young footballers across the globe.
This plan has already been in place this summer with United signing Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno in Paraguay. This is a very exciting deal, with Leon ranking as one of the world’s most valuable wonderkids alongside Franco Mastantuono and Geovany Quenda.
Last summer, Chido Obi and Sekou Kone were examples of United prioritising youth, as was the January acquisition of wing-back Patrick Dorgu.
This summer, United are looking at both Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland. The talented midfield pair have been shining in the Black Cats’ promotion push and now they are just 90 minutes from returning to the Premier League.
Bellingham has been particularly impressive for Sunderland in the play-offs, but what would promotion mean for United?
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Latest on Manchester United’s pursuit of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham
At the moment, United would be able to offer both Rigg and Bellingham first-team football in the Premier League, but how would the chances of a deal be impacted by Sunderland’s promotion?
Well, United in Focus has spoken with transfer expert Graeme Bailey about the chances of the duo moving to United.
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“Sunderland getting promoted will have some major ramifications around the Premier League and Europe.
“Half of their first-team are being linked with moves, but for Manchester United, their focus has been on Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
“I am told that Sunderland won’t be able to keep them all, but promotion will complicate the situation. Will the players want to leave? I think that will be the biggest question, as suddenly they are guaranteed playing time in the Premier League – something a lot of clubs wouldn’t guarantee.
“Promotion or not, I think there is a good chance Bellingham goes, but he is happy in the North East.”
How Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have fared in Sunderland’s play-off success
Sunderland are heading to Wembley for the play-off final after overcoming a Frank Lampard-managed Coventry City side 3-2 over two legs.
The difference between Bellingham and Rigg was clear throughout, as while the former played a crucial role for Sunderland, the latter was more of a squad player, playing a smaller role.
Bellingham showcased his defensive quality in the first leg, with a game-saving tackle being the highlight of the game. Before during the second leg, he impressed on the ball.
An infographic of Jobe Bellingham's match stats for Sunderland vs Coventry City.
Bellingham won nine duels in the game as he continues to evolve into the all-action midfielder United need.
If there is one of the two youngsters ready to make the step up to United, it is Bellingham right now, as he could quite easily be the replacement for Christian Eriksen at around just £25m.