Leeds United could make a move for Sheffield United star, Sander Berge, as they look to replace the outgoing Kalvin Phillips this summer.
Phillips is being tipped to join Manchester City for around £50m, as Pep Guardiola looks to overhaul his squad ahead of another push towards Premier and Champions League glory. Having already signed Erling Haaland, the City boss now wants to land Leeds star Phillips, who is said to be open to a move.
However, City’s mega-money move for Phillips could impact Sheffield United. According to GiveMeSport, Leeds have put Sander Berge on their list of potential Phillips replacements. It’s claimed that the Blades could accept around £25m for the midfielder, should Leeds make a move.
Berge was outstanding last season as United just missed out on promotion. Having played in a more attacking role under Paul Heckingbottom, it seems Leeds view him as a deeper midfielder. Berge plays that role for Norway and was signed by Chris Wilder initially as a long-term Oli Norwood replacement.
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United CEO Stephen Bettis has said the club is under no pressure to sell. However, he did admit every player has a price and Berge could look to push a move through if Leeds’ interest firms up.
Our View: Tough Ask To Keep Sander Berge At Sheffield United
The Blades stand a better chance at promotion if Berge is in the squad so losing him would be a bitter pill to swallow.
However, it’s also something many United fans would accept. We were lucky to see him for a full season last term and it’s no surprise to see Leeds now being linked. Berge is a class act and if he can keep injury free, he’s easily good enough for Premier League football.
The key for United is if they do sell, then the money has to come back into the squad. Replacing Berge and Gibbs-White in one window is nigh on impossible and of course, costly. Prince Abdullah would need to give that £25m back to Heckingbottom, should he and the board accept Leeds’ potential offer.
