Manchester United have added Burnley midfielder Sander Berge to their list of transfer targets, according to The Transfers Podcast.
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their central options before the start of the new season as they look for a long-term partner for England international Kobbie Mainoo. Erik ten Hag has set his sights on Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, but alternatives are being targeted in case a deal cannot be struck with the French champions.
This is where Berge comes in. The 26-year-old only joined Burnley from Sheffield United last summer in a deal thought to be around £12 million. With the Clarets having suffered relegation back to the Championship, there have been rumours that his stay at Turf Moor will be a brief one.
Reports emerged earlier this month that Turkish outfit Fenerbahce are interested in acquiring his services. With the links hotting up, TEAMtalk revealed that Burnley would only be tempted into selling to Jose Mourinho’s side if they were to receive an offer of £20 million. However, the 61-year-old could face competition from his former club.
According to journalist Duncan Castles, the 20-time English champions are confident that they will land their first choice in Ugarte, but Berge would be a viable alternative:
“A taller player, a more elegant player in the midfield, but very good at retaining possession,” he told The Transfer Podcast. “Obviously he has Premier League experience, 66 games in the top tier, three goals, four assists, and would definitely be a cheaper option than Ugarte.”
The Lancashire side are one of the favourites to earn promotion this season. Speaking in May following their relegation from the Premier League, the Norway international vowed the club will bounce back.
“The progress we’ve put in, the hard work everyone has made, everyone wanting to get better and wanting to compete at this level with the best, that’s the standard for what’s to come,” he said, via the Burnley Express.
“For us it’s about getting better every day. We’ve done that and now it’s time to learn and reflect a bit.
“There’s still one game to go though and that’s the start of building towards coming straight back next year.”
Writer’s View
There isn’t likely to be a lot in this. It seems only a matter of time before Ugarte makes the move to Old Trafford, whether that be on a permanent basis or on loan. Berge is a very good midfielder. However, he doesn’t seem to be the type of player which the new Manchester United hierarchy are targeting.
Linking the 20-time English champions to a player always raises eyebrows. It’s often done on purpose, mainly from agents trying to push moves through for their client. Whether that is to force Fenerbahce into making a bid remains to be seen but take this report with a pinch of salt.
