Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge ‘targeted by Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa’ with in-demand star’s release clause ‘dropping to £35m’ after Blades’ top-flight relegation
- A number of Premier League clubs are keen on Sheffield United’s Sander Berge
- Berge has caught the eye this season and his release clause stands at £35million
- Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa have all been tipped to attempt swoops soon
- United will struggle to keep Berge after his price dropped following relegation
A host of Premier League clubs are eyeing up a swoop for highly-rated Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has been absent through injury since the turn of the year but has managed to catch the eye – and his release clause now stands at £35million, a drop of £10m as a result of United’s relegation to the Championship.
Berge’s reasonable price tag, which has been revealed by Yorkshire Live, may spark a bidding war this summer with Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa among the teams who might make a move.
Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge’s release clause is £35m as a number of clubs circle
It was initially reported by Sky Sports on Friday that Berge, who returned to action last weekend after a four-month spell on the treatment table, is in demand.
Mikel Arteta has been touted to reinforce his Arsenal squad during the transfer window with the midfield a particular area potentially identified for improvement.
Villa, meanwhile, have been labelled as ‘long-term suitors’ for Berge. Everton could also lodge an offer.
Berge may attract a bidding war this summer and the midfielder looks set to exit Bramall Lane
It is likely United will struggle to keep Berge beyond this ill-fated campaign despite their wish to have a crack at immediate promotion with roughly the same team.
The Bramall Lane outfit will not be able to command an exorbitant figure for him, however, with the release clause leaving them vulnerable.
Yorkshire Live also say that Berge has not actively pushed for a move away but his future, in comparison to some of his team-mates, is in doubt.
The versatile former Genk man, who is capable of playing all manner of midfield roles, arrived last January for £22m.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (left) and Everton’s Carlo Ancelotti (right) may both swoop for Berge
Berge was introduced off the bench in the chastening 4-0 defeat at Tottenham last weekend but is now in line to make his first start after recovering from injury against Crystal Palace today.
Sky have claimed that Berge is a popular figure at the club and content there, but the Norway international believes his future lies away from the strugglers.
Also linked to Berge are, sensationally, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Berge caught the eye despite having been ruled out through injury since the turn of the year
The two heavyweights are reportedly ready to make a surprise move for him, with City having identified him as a potential replacement for Fernandinho, according to Voetbal24 in Belgium.
City’s veteran captain, 35, may leave the Etihad when his deal runs down.
As for Liverpool, Eurosport say they are weighing up a switch for Berge as the club look to also add to their options in midfield.
