Burnley midfielder Sander Berge has already “said yes” to joining Manchester United, according to TEAMtalk.
The website claims that the Norwegian international is enthusiastic about making the move to Old Trafford and agreeing personal terms won’t be a problem.
It follows reports that United have held “initial talks” with Burnley about signing Berge and, from the sound of things, negotiations are unlikely to be protracted.
TEAMtalk report that the 26-year-old’s asking price is around £30m, but Erik ten Hag’s side are expected to table a bid worth up to £25m, including add-ons.
That would suggest there isn’t a great deal of difference in terms of Berge’s valuation, as long as Burnley deems the add-ons achievable.
Why are United pursuing Berge?
It has been reported that the Manchester club’s analytics department have identified key strengths in the Norwegian’s game which align with ten Hag’s style of play.
Berge’s passing is accurate when under pressure, and he is both quick and a capable dribbler. Fans are, however, still very unconvinced that he possesses the quality to play for United.
He has already been relegated from the Premier League twice in his career, once with Sheffield United and again last season with Burnley.
Other midfielders are being looked at
As well as holding talks with Burnley, it is believed that the Red Devils have started discussions with Monaco about Youssouf Fofana. The France international is in the final year of his contract and would cost a similar amount to Berge.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has emerged as a potential target once again, although there are serious doubts about whether a deal is realistic. Former loanee Sofyan Amrabat and Palmeiras’ Richard Rios are other names that are also said to be under consideration. For the time being, though, it appears Berge is the frontrunner.
