Manchester United are preparing to make a formal offer for Sunderland teenager Chris Rigg, initiating the battle for his signature. Rigg’s future is a significant storyline for Sunderland this summer, as the club hopes to persuade the 16-year-old to sign his first professional contract with them.

Although Rigg signed a two-year scholarship deal with Sunderland last year, FA regulations prevent him from signing his first professional contract until he turns 17 on June 18. Sunderland officials have reportedly discussed the terms of a professional contract with Rigg and his representatives, and they are optimistic that the young player from Hebburn will choose to stay with the club.

Despite still having one more year left on his scholarship agreement, Rigg is allowed to sign professional terms with another club once he turns 17. Several clubs, including Newcastle United and Arsenal, have been monitoring his development over the past year. German clubs Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen were also linked with a possible move for Rigg during the weekend.

However, Manchester United appears to be the frontrunner in the race for Rigg’s signature. The club is reportedly keen to overhaul their academy setup and compete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City for the best young talent in the country. With the recent changes at Manchester United following the INEOS group’s takeover, there is a desire to make a high-profile youth signing as a statement of their new approach to transfers.

Rigg, who has represented England at the Under-17 World Cup, has already established himself at the Championship level despite his young age. Manchester United’s scouts have been present at most of his games for Sunderland’s Under-21s and first team in recent seasons.

If Manchester United officially make a move for Rigg, other clubs are expected to submit competing offers. While Sunderland may not be able to match the financial offers from rival clubs, they hope that the opportunity to play regular first-team football in the Championship will sway Rigg’s decision in their favor. If Rigg does leave this summer, Sunderland will receive a decent level of compensation due to his status as a scholar, which would not have been the case if he had left last year.

Any club interested in signing Rigg would need to make a financial offer to Sunderland. If the offer is rejected and an agreement cannot be reached, the fee would be determined by an independent tribunal, taking various factors into account such as first-team appearances, time spent in the club’s academy, contract offers, and international youth caps.