Chris Rigg: Update on Man United agreeing deal after Sunderland scouting missions
Chris Rigg has been tipped to remain at Sunderland despite interest from Man United, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as the chief scout at both United and Sunderland and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Rigg should continue his development in Regis Le Bris' side.
The 17-year-old has caught the eye of multiple Premier League sides with his performances this season, but would be better suited remaining at the Stadium of Light.
Brown told Football Insider that Man United scouts have been watching the midfielder "every week" and have been impressed by what they have seen.
Rigg has been a key player in Le Bris' starting XI, having started 26 of his side's 32 Championship games so far this season, and is attracting plenty of interest.
Alongside Man United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham have also been keeping tabs on his progress and have considered a move to sign him in the summer.
However, Brown has insisted that the promise of regular game-time and an opportunity to continue his development at Sunderland is the best option as things stand.
Chris Rigg to make Sunderland exit decision after Man United latest
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that playing regular football at Sunderland is better than sitting on the bench at United.
"He's a talented lad from what I've seen of him," he told Football Insider.
"If he's going to take the step up to a bigger club, especially one like Man United, he's got to be absolutely outstanding at what he does.
"There's a lot of promise there, but I'm not so sure he's that level just yet.
"He's had the likes of Tottenham and Man United looking, but would he make a difference in their teams?
"That's a decision they've got to make, but it's also one he's got to make.
"I want to see him do well, but I think he might be better off staying at Sunderland for now.
"He's playing regularly in their side, so much so that he's attracting this level of interest, and he's become a really important player for them.
"Would you want to go from that to sitting on the bench and maybe getting an appearance here and there?
"I think it would be better for his development to stay at Sunderland."
Jobe Bellingham exit draws closer after latest twist
Another young Sunderland midfielder who is attracting interest from Premier League clubs is Jobe Bellingham, after a fantastic season at the Stadium of Light so far.
The likes of Crystal Palace and Tottenham have been credited with an interest, while Borussia Dortmund have also been keeping an eye on his development.
Football Insider revealed on 10 February that Sunderland could be forced to accept "huge" offers for the 19-year-old if they are not promoted this season.
As things stand, Le Bris' side are fourth in the Championship, five points outside of the automatic promotion places but 12 points clear of seventh place.
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