Fulham and Newcastle United have now reportedly “stepped back” from the negotiations for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, who is set to stay put at the Championship outfit.
According to Sky Sports News, Sheffield United have received no fresh approach from Fulham or Newcastle United in the last 24 hours over the potential availability of midfielder Sander Berge. And the 24-year-old looks increasingly likely to remain at the Championship outfit for the rest of the season.
The 24-year-old midfielder’s future at Sheffield United has come to light in the final days of the transfer window due to extensive interest from Premier League clubs.
Berge has been the subject of interest from numerous Premier League clubs, with Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Fulham all listed as potential suitors. Fulham were even said to be the front-runners and came close to agreeing a £20 million deal.
There have been contradictory reports regarding the Magpies’ interest in the midfielder, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie stating that they have made a loan-with-obligation bid, while Fabrizio Romano claims that it is not advanced.
However, due to a lack of movement in discussions, it is believed that the Norwegian will remain at Bramall Lane for the time being. Instead, the Fulham have moved to sign Torino’s Serbian midfielder Sasa Lukic in an £8 million deal.
While Newcastle are said to be keen to add depth in the midfield department, especially after the departure of Jonjo Shelvey, and have identified Berge as an option in the engine room, they are not keen on paying a lump sum fee as they look to comply with the current financial fair play regulations. Sheffield United, meanwhile, are reportedly unwilling to agree to any kind of loan deal.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old himself is thought to have told the Blades that he wants to stay put at his current club for now. He is keen to help the Blades achieve promotion, and, given the choice, will remain at Bramall Lane.
Berge joined Sheffield United from Genk in January 2020 for a club-record cost of just over £20 million. The Norwegian central midfielder could not help the club survive in the Premier League despite showing glimpses of his talent. The 24-year-old has continued to excel in the second division this season, featuring 21 times and scoring four goals in all competitions.
Sheffield United are battling to get back to the top flight and are second in the Championship table with a commanding lead. And this news may come as music to Blades’ supporters, although this could have degrading ramifications.
The Blades are in desperate need of funds immediately. They must pay off a remaining installment in order to avoid a transfer embargo that will see them issued a transfer ban for the next two windows, which would make life exceedingly tough next season if they do win promotion.