With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen likely to be on their way out, Manchester United need quality in the middle of the park to replace them.
The Brazilian has hardly featured under Ruben Amorim and could even depart this month while the Dane has struggled to impact games and the head coach is open to his departure as he seeks for more intensity in his ranks.
And as per recent reports, the club are looking at the Championship for diamonds in the rough with Chris Rigg said to be one of the targets.
TBR Football have now claimed that the Red Devils also have his Sunderland teammate Jobe Bellingham on their radar and scouts were present to watch both the stars during Sunderland’s 3-2 win against Middlesbrough on Monday.
United scouts watching Jobe
“TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Arsenal and Manchester United sent scouts to watch Sunderland’s 3-2 win against Middlesbrough on deadline day.
“Arsenal and Manchester United’s primary purpose of visiting the Riverside Stadium was to scout Sunderland duo Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
“Arsenal scouted Rigg in November and have kept a close eye on him and Bellingham regularly this season — as have Ruben Amorim’s side.”
The 19-year-old, described as an “absolute freak of nature” has four goals and three assists for the Black Cats this term, and while he primarily plays as an attacking midfielder, the former Birmingham starlet can do a lot more.
He can play all across the midfield and even up front, such is his versatility, which is why plenty of European sides are monitoring his progress.
Plenty of interest in him
Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are both interested in Jude’s brother and it is only a matter of time before a move to an elite club.
And as recently relayed by The Peoples Person, despite United’s keen interest Jobe also seems to have the same mindset as his brother and he is likely to leave for a big club in the continent instead of playing in the Premier League.
Whether INEOS can change his mind anytime soon remains to be seen. Hopefully, in case they miss out on him, they can at least land Rigg.
Plenty of elite English top-flight clubs have been looking at the Championship with its conveyor belt full of rich talent with United not really picking up on this trend. Hopefully, INEOS are changing it for the better.
Feature image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
