Sheffield United face an anxious wait over the future of Sander Berge, with Newcastle apparently interested in the Norwegian midfielder.
According to today’s print edition of The Mirror (29/01, P77), Newcastle have joined a cluster of clubs who are considering making a move for Berge.
It’s suggested once again that the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are still keen. However, those links are long-standing and nothing new, and there is nothing to suggest they will bid before Tuesday.
The Mirror suggests United would be open to selling for just £15m. Berge is now into the final 18 months of his contract and with cash a problem at Bramall Lane, a deal could be tempting.
Paul Heckingbottom said on Friday that there’d been no bids for his players. He did confirm interest though, with Iliman Ndiaye and Berge the two players in demand.
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The Blades paid £22m to sign Berge when in the PL. He has a well-known £35m release-clause in his contract but United know full well they won’t get that.
The club are currently under an EFL transfer embargo. A change of ownership is expected but as it stands, the club are struggling to raise any funds.
Sheffield United News View: Selling Berge makes more sense than selling Ndiaye
If most Blades fans had to choose between seeing Sander or Iliman leave, you can bet a high percentage would say Berge can go.
That’s not to say he isn’t a fine player. In an ideal world we keep both and simply keep steam rolling our way to promotion.
Berge was so good in the run in last season. We need him back at that level again. But if selling him means we raise funds to pay off the debts and avoid future problems, then the club might have to do it.
£15m is still a decent price really. It’s certainly less than we wanted initially. But our hands are tied a bit, and Berge has hinted in previous windows he was essentially waiting for bids to come.
