Chelsea join Manchester United in pursuit of 17-year-old Championship prodigy: Reports

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Championship prodigy Chris Rigg, who is also on the radar of Manchester United. The 17-year-old Sunderland midfielder has emerged as one of the leading lights of the second division, attracting interest from the top tier.

Rigg made his Sunderland debut aged 15 and scored his first goal for the club after he turned 16, making him the youngest goalscorer in the club's history. The England U-18 international is a regular for the Black Cats in the Championship aged 17, and his performances have earned him suitors from among England's biggest clubs.

Manchester United have been linked with the youngster, who is regarded as a similar player to former captain Roy Keane. The Red Devils have closely monitored his development, and Chelsea have now joined them in the race to sign Rigg.

CaughtOffside reports that the Blues have sent scouts to watch Sunderland's recent games against Leeds United, Hull City, and Luton Town, to gauge the teenager's level. Chelsea and United are not the only sides interested in signing the Hebburn native, with Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers also keeping tabs on him.

Sunderland are aware of the interest generated for their teenage star and are prepared to keep hold of him as they look to return to the Premier League. The Black Cats have already slapped a £25-30 million price tag on the youngster to deter interested clubs from making a move.

Chris Rigg has already scored three goals in 11 Championship appearances for Sunderland this season, shining with his technical excellence and elegance on the ball. Due to his age and profile, the youngster is a fit for both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Bundesliga star on the radar of Chelsea and Manchester United - Reports

Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring the situation of RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. The 21-year-old Frenchman has become a stalwart in the German top-flight since joining from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023.

RMC Sport revealed that Manchester United are keen on the defender, with CaughtOffside also linking him to Chelsea. With the Red Devils having signed French youngster Leny Yoro in the summer, they may consider Lukeba as the long-term partner of his fellow France U-21 international.

Lukeba has an eye-watering £75 million release clause in his contract with Leipzig, but his progression in the last year has attracted interest, nevertheless. The youngster has featured 10 times across competitions for his club this season.