Manchester United are weighing up an approach for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge, according to journalist Duncan Castles.
The Red Devils have been locked in talks with Paris Saint-Germain about signing Manuel Ugarte, but Castles says Erik ten Hag’s side may consider pursuing Berge instead if an agreement for the Uruguayan can’t be reached:
“[Berge is] a taller player, a more elegant player in the midfield, but very good at retaining possession. 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.”
Berge only joined Burnley from Sheffield United for £12m last August but there is no doubt that he would be very open to making the switch to Old Trafford, following the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship.
What is the situation with Ugarte?
It has been widely reported that United have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old, but PSG’s asking price has stood in the way of the transfer going ahead.
The Ligue champions would like to recoup the €60m (£50.6m) they paid Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte last summer but that isn’t a sum that the Red Devils are prepared to stump up.
There are suggestions that PSG may yet soften their stance, with there now being a chance of a loan deal with an option to buy, but negotiations are currently at a standstill.
United could soon be short of midfielders
Scott McTominay’s future looks rather uncertain. Fulham have made yet another bid for the Scottish international and they are getting close to the player’s £25m to £30m valuation.
If McTominay does depart over the coming days, there would be an even greater urgency to reinforce the club’s options in the middle of the park. At this stage, though, it’s not clear whether Berge or Ugarte will end up as the top target.
