Sheffield United are bracing themselves for a busy January in terms of keeping the squad together, with Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge expected to be in demand.
The Blades know that Berge and Ndiaye are two of the club’s biggest assets. Berge has attracted interested from the likes of Chelsea, Club Brugge, and Liverpool.
Ndiaye, meanwhile, has enjoyed a stunning season so far and after playing in the World Cup, his stock is higher than ever.
However, after Paul Heckingbottom insisted in his press conference that keeping the squad together was the main objective in January, the Sheffield Star reports how the Blades expect to keep Berge in the winter window.
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The Star writes how, while there’s no guarantees, United insiders fully expect Berge to stay around. Ndiaye, meanwhile, is the one where there is more worry.
The Senegal star is into the final 18 months of his contract. And with his agents not yet indulging in contract talks with United, bids are expected.
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Both Sander and Iliman are brilliant players who get in every side in the Championship. They were outstanding in the run to playoffs last season and will be integral now football is properly back.
However, as most United fans which one they’d rather keep for now and the resounding answer would be Iliman Ndiaye.
That isn’t there as disrespect towards Berge. But more that Ndiaye has become so important to this side that it’s hard to imagine how he’s replaced.
Berge offers a lot from midfield. However, he’s been injured more than once an we’ve managed ok. With Ndiaye, there is a feeling that a lot of the attacking threat United offer would be lost.
Sure, Ndiaye will get to the top level one day. But hopefully he can show a bit of patience, get United into the Premier League, and decisions can be taken from there.
Certainly, as it stands, it’s Ndiaye over Berge for most Blades.
