Manchester United did table a formal bid for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge before he sealed his move to Fulham, according to the Daily Mail.
The English tabloid claim that the Red Devils “made an offer” but it fell short of the 26-year-old’s asking price.
Berge had been identified as an alternative to Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, who the club have been in negotiations to sign for several weeks.
PSG have been holding out for €60m (£51m) to sell the Uruguayan international, which is not a fee that United are prepared to pay.
Unless they lower their demands, Erik ten Hag’s side will be forced into pursuing an alternative.
Why were United interested in the Burnley star?
It is believed that the data analytics team pinpointed the Norwegian international as a good fit for what the club needed in midfield.
Berge’s passing accuracy under pressure is excellent, and his speed and dribbling ability are above average, especially for a player of his size (he is 6ft 5). He was also available for half the price that it would have cost to sign Ugarte.
Have alternatives to Berge been considered?
As mentioned, Ugarte is the No.1 priority but the fee has proven prohibitive. The Uruguayan is reportedly trying to force through a move to Old Trafford, having been left out of PSG’s squad for their opening league game, but the finances of the deal make it a complicated one to finalise.
Another option, Youssouf Fofana. has joined AC Milan so the France international is no longer under consideration. That may then lead the Red Devils to go back in for ex-loanee Sofyan Amrabat.
The Moroccan spent last season with United but the club opted against signing him on a permanent basis. However, they could restart discussions with his team Fiorentina to reach a new agreement.
