Sander Berge can leave Sheffield United this summer for £35m.
Sky Sports reports that’s the midfielder’s release clause, with Arsenal and Everton said to be currently leading the way for his signature.
There are apparently “a host of teams” considering a bid for Berge, with his exit from Bramall Lane seemingly a matter of when – rather than if.
Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Norway international.
Meanwhile, there are a number of top European clubs showing an interest in Berge as well.
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While the Blades are keen to keep as many of their squad together this summer following their relegation from the Premier League, they are preparing for the 23-year-old to leave.
Berge also believes his future lies elsewhere, even though he’s currently happy in South Yorkshire.
The Gunners could have an advantage in the race to sign the Norwegian because their assistant manager, Albert Stuivenberg, previously worked with him at Genk.
Berge available for £35m – but it could have been more
Berge’s release clause has actually been reduced because of the Blades’ relegation to the Championship.
Had they stayed up this season, teams would have had to have paid £45m to sign the midfield ace.
It was always known that Berge was unlikely to be with United for the long-term. Former boss, Chris Wilder, even described the club as a “stepping stone” in the player’s career.
It was quite the coup when they landed Berge from Genk in January 2020 in a then club record £22m deal.
It was therefore a sensible decision to insert a release clause. Even if the Blades could have received £10m more, making a £13m profit in 18 months is still decent business.
