Man Utd open talks to sign 26yo midfield star, player 'wants to move' to OT - Dharmesh Sheth
Manchester United are looking at multiple options to bolster their midfield this summer.
The club were interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte earlier in the transfer window, but they have cooled their pursuit due to the £52 million asking price.
The Red Devils are weighing up alternative choices. They recently made contact with Monaco regarding Youssouf Fofana and have now held talks with Burnley for Sander Berge.
According to Sky Sports‘ Dharmesh Sheth, the club have opened a dialogue with the Championship outfit to discuss conditions for a deal. Berge ‘wants to move’ to Old Trafford.
Berge would be a decent signing for United
The Red Devils were pro-active during the early phase of the transfer window. They secured the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro during the beginning of pre-season.
It was anticipated that they would continue spending at the same pace, but that has not been the case. The club are working on a limited budget and don’t want to spend over the odds.
Ugarte is no longer an option as a result. Fofana could be available for around £30 million, but United seem to be focusing on Berge. They are prepared to pay around £20m.
The Clarets are eyeing close to £30m, but United will be optimistic of negotiating a lesser fee.
Berge had a decent debut campaign with the Clarets last term. He completed 89 percent of his passes in the top-flight with 5.5 recoveries, 2.1 tackles and 1.6 clearances per outing.
The Norwegian is also good when it comes to holding onto possession, but he has the odd tendency to make errors. One of those gifted Antony with a goal back in April (1-1 draw).
The 26-year-old was handed Burnley’s Player of the Season award, but United should be aiming higher than him if they want to challenge for the Premier League title in future.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com