Ex-Man United chief scout confirms transfer interest as Victor Lindelof claim emerges

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg ahead of the January transfer window.

The Reds are among a number of clubs who are believed to be tracking the talented teenager as he continues to boast some of the best statistics in front of goal for players under the age of 20. Only Lamine Yamal boasted better goal-creating actions per 90 minutes this season for players 20 or younger.

The likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are also monitoring Rigg. But that has not distracted him from maintaining his bright start to the season - having started in all 12 bar one one Championship game so far.

Now former United chief scout Mick Brown confirmed the club's interest in signing the 17-year-old "He’s [Rigg] definitely one they’re interested in," he said. "He fits the profile of a young player who they can help develop. They’ve had scouts watching him closely at Sunderland nearly every week this season.

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"They will know how good he is and how far they think he can go in the game, and from what I’ve heard they’ve been very impressed. Man United have a very good relationship with Sunderland behind the scenes, too.

"There are a number of young players up and down the country that they’ve sent scouts to watch, but Rigg’s performances have been very, very impressive. I think they’ll keep an eye on his progress and then determine whether they think he’s ready for the step-up, but all signs suggest he will be capable."

Elsewhere, AC Milan are reportedly keen to secure the signing of Victor Lindelof who will be out of contract at the end of the season. Caught Offside report the Italian giants are 'seriously interested' in the Swedish centre-back and are said to 'value his experience'.

The report adds that Milan 'could make an approach' in the new year when the 30-year-old will be free to engage in conversations with clubs abroad. Lindelof, one of United's longest-serving players in the current squad, has struggled for regular game time over the past year. He has 266 appearances to date since swapping Benfica for United in 2017.