Liverpool plan transfer raid on Sheff Utd for Sander Berge to replace Wijnaldum but face competition from Aston Villa

SHEFFIELD UNITED star Sander Berge has reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool to replace Georginio Wijnaldum. The Reds will be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer with the Holland international set to depart on a free transfer. Contract talks have stalled between the Merseyside outfit and the ex-Newcastle ace, with […]

SHEFFIELD UNITED star Sander Berge has reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool to replace Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Reds will be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer with the Holland international set to depart on a free transfer.

Rex

Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool[/caption]

Contract talks have stalled between the Merseyside outfit and the ex-Newcastle ace, with all signs pointing towards an Anfield exit.

And it has been claimed that Wijnaldum has already agreed to join Barcelona at the end of the season.

Liverpool may have already lined up his replacement, with Eurosport declaring that Berge is being eyed up by the Premier League champions.

They state that the 23-year-old is likely to depart Bramall Lane should the Blades be relegated, as he would prefer to compete in the top-flight.

Aston Villa are understood to also be keen on signing the Norway international, but Jurgen Klopp‘s side are now expected to join the pursuit.

Berge – who joined United for £22million in January 2020 from Genk – could be available at a decent price if Paul Heckingbottom’s men fail to beat the drop.

Arsenal were linked with a move for Berge in November, while Manchester United have also been keen to sign him in the past.

The former Valerenga maestro has been limited to just 14 appearances in all competitions this campaign.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

He hasn’t featured since December 17 due to having surgery on a tendon in his leg, but he remains a player of interest to many clubs.

Despite his injury, Berge has been called up by Norway for their World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar, Turkey and Montenegro.

Commenting before United’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat against Chelsea, Heckingbottom said: “Sander isn’t fit.

“It’s going to be a while before he’s back playing football.

“He can continue rehabbing and progressing away from here, because that’s what he’s been doing anyway.”