Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge was left out of Paul Heckingbottom’s squad for the 3-3 draw with Wrexham in the FA Cup on Sunday, amid interest from various Premier League teams – including Liverpool.
According to The Mirror (29/01, p77), the Reds, Chelsea and Newcastle United are all interested in landing the 24-year-old before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.
Fulham are currently in talks with the Blades over a potential move for the Norwegian.
As per the Daily Mail, Heckingbottom attributed Berge’s absence against Wrexham due to the circulating transfer interest, which could potentially see him leave the club over the coming days.
“He’s not here because we have been asked not to use him. Our club is speaking to other clubs regarding him,” the manager said.
“It’s a club decision to protect that asset. I am not going to say I agree with it, but I understand it he wanted to play today.
“It doesn’t mean he is going anywhere; Sander is happy here. But the situation we find ourselves in mid-takeover, transfer embargo and no clarity on which way it is going and financial issues.
“One way to resolve the issues is to sell a player. Everyone knows my thoughts on it. We are ready if the worst happened and we lost Sander. We have worked hard to put this squad together in terms of the balance and how competitive we made it.
“The simple thing for me is to keep it together but we find ourselves in difficult times financially and it means there may be some tough decisions that have to be made. I have to be prepared for what happens.”
Berge could leave before transfer deadline
As it stands, Fulham are leading the race to land the Norway international. A whole host of Premier League sides are eyeing a move for the 24-year-old, but it is Marco Silva’s side who have demonstrated the strongest interest, with a £20m move touted.
Berge has played a crucial part in Sheffield’s push for promotion this season. The Blades currently sit second in the Championship table, 12 points ahead of the play-off spots.
Having also spent two seasons in the top-flight with the club, Berge has shown he is more than capable of adapting to the rigours of English football.
Liverpool are in dire need of midfielders ahead of the second half of the season.
Realistically, they won’t be able to sign any other Premier League proven talent which won’t break the bank.
Therefore, with just two days to go, Berge may be the best option for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
However, they must act quickly if they are to get a move turning towards Anfield.
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