West Ham could be about to hinder Sheffield United’s chances of keeping Sander Berge, with the Hammers looking to sign Hans Vanaken from Club Brugge.
According to The Evening Standard, West Ham are pushing hard to sign from Vanaken the Belgian side. And while that might not be obviously of note to Sheffield United, it could impact the club’s bid to keep Berge.
That’s because, as has been reported on Sheffield United News, Brugge are said to be super keen on signing Berge from United this summer and are even said to be considering paying him around £100k-a-week to join.
Of course, United have so far rejected offers from the Belgian side for Berge. The Blades hold the Norwegian in high regard and in an ideal world, United want the £35m release-clause in Berge’s contract. However, there is a belief that a bid in the region of £25m might be enough to tempt the board.
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West Ham’s bid for Vanaken would give Brugge yet more funds to make their move for Berge. The Belgian side are already cash rich thanks to the sale of Charles de Ketelaere to AC Milan. Further, Vanaken is also a midfield player, which would surely encourage Brugge to push harder for Berge.
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Paul Heckingbottom has already spoken about the club only accepting the £35m clause for Berge. But with two weeks or so of the window to go, and Berge in fine form, there seems to be an inevitability when it comes to the Blades keeping Berge.
Interest does seem to be gathering momentum from certain clubs and there’s even been talk this morning of AC Milan checking in on his availability.
If United do lose Sander, then you’d have to say it would be better done now than on deadline day. United will have players lined up to replace him you feel, but getting someone in with Berge’s ability for half or even less of the price we sell for, will be a tough ask.
