There are only a couple of days left in the January transfer window, and Sheffield United are under huge pressure to sell Norwegian international Sander Berge in order to lift the embargo.
It is now confirmed by multiple sources that various clubs are interested in Sander Berge. Premier League sides Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United and Fulham have approached the Blades as they intend to strike up a deal for the midfielder.
According to a Norwegian journalist, Newcastle United are willing to offer a loan-to-buy deal for Berge, presumably the Blades would be getting a hefty loan fee to pay off their remaining debts.
The same reporter has revealed that Fulham have offered £20M + add-ons. While Brighton are prepared to bring in Berge if their man, Moises Caciedo, leaves.
Sander Berge is also attracting attention in Italy with league leaders Napoli said to be interested. Roma have previously shown interest.
It is being reported by Alan Nixon that United are actively looking for a replacement for Berge. Nixon states that the Blades have entered negotiations with Nottingham Forest’s energetic playmaker, Lewis O’Brien. O’Brien was a standout performer last season for Huddersfield Town.
My Verdict
As a Blade, this is something we have all feared for many windows now. We’ve managed to keep hold of Berge for this long, but now with a transfer embargo looming largely over the club’s head, now is the time to sell.
It’s pick your poison: loan him to Newcastle for a hefty loan fee, which can pay off the remaining debts owed, and clearing the embargo. Or, sell him to Fulham, take the £20M + add-ons, and bring in Lewis O’Brien with a loan and a clause which gives United the first option to buy him in the summer.
Got to be cash up front for me so we can buy a replacement. O’brien from forest & kasey palmer from Coventry would be my choices.