Sheffield United’s January transfer plans could be altered by the actions of both Chelsea and AC Milan when it comes to Sander Berge.
United managed to keep hold of Berge in the summer as they stood firm on their asking-price. In the end, a late move from Club Brugge failed to convince the Blades, while Berge also admitted there was plenty of other interest, with Chelsea thought to be among those keen.
And it doesn’t look like interest in Berge is dying down any time soon. A report from SportsCafe in Italy, pushed by Yorkshire Live this morning, claims that AC Milan are still open to signing Berge in January.
However, there is a big caveat involved in any move. It’s claimed Milan will only be able to move for Berge if they can get rid of Chelsea loanee Tiemoue Bakayoko. The former Monaco man is in the middle of a two-year loan spell in Italy but it’s claimed Paulo Maldini is keen to terminate that agreement if he can.
Chelsea, of course, will likely have little use for Bakayoko. His signing has been a disaster in the main, and Graham Potter is unlikely to suddenly welcome the midfielder back into the mix.
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Sheff U News View: January Will Be A Long Month When It Comes To Sander Berge
The problem Sheffield United have with Sander is that as more time ticks along, his value naturally comes down in the eyes of onlooking clubs. It’s unlikely United will ever get the £35m release-clause, while even getting back the £22m they paid for him would look good business now.
Of course, if the Blades remain top of the table in January then that will be massive. If Berge can see United are on course to go back to the Premier League, then that should, in theory, convince him to stay put.
On the other hand, if AC Milan do come knocking then how does he not want that move? The Italians are one of the world’s biggest clubs, afterall.
January is going to be a long month for United. The likes of Berge and Ndiaye will be on clubs’ radars, and if either goes, then our promotion hopes will be severely dented.
