Sheffield United are set to renew their interest in former transfer target Sander Berge, according to the Sheffield Star.
Belgian newspaper Het Laaste Niuews reported that the Blades were the only club to make a “concrete offer” for Berge this summer.
At the time the Genk midfielder was valued at around £23m. It seems United were the only party that came close to meeting that price-tag.
Yet Berge decided he did not want to move to a club recently promoted to the Premier League. The 21-year-old told Het Belang van Limburg:
“There was never a proposal which I thought was the right one for my future.
“I don’t just want to change clubs for the sake of it. In life, you sometimes have to appreciate what you have in your hands at that moment.
MORE UNITED STORIES
“I’m at a top club, I’ve become a champion, I’ve enforced a leadership role. I have plenty of time to aim even higher.”
Sheffield United now face competition for transfer target
Since the Blades last showed interest in Berge, Liverpool have started tracking the Norway international.
The youngster has played against the Reds twice already this season in the Champions League and clearly impressed.
Already keeping tabs on Berge, the Mirror claims that an injury to Fabinho will see the Premier League leaders’ interest intensify.
The Brazilian has damaged his ankle ligaments and will be out until the new year. As a result, Liverpool could make a move for Berge during the January transfer window.
Chelsea and Napoli are also keen on the Norwegian, who says that playing at Anfield is a “dream”.
Berge only has 18 months left on his current contract and is expected to leave Genk by next summer at the latest. Which is perhaps why it’s now thought £18m would be enough to sign him.
While this drop in price might seem like a positive for United, they clearly face many other obstacles in the race to land Berge.