Newcastle have now ‘made contact’ over £20m star at St James’ Park

Newcastle United have contacted Sheffield United over a potential late window move for midfielder Sander Berge, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has told GiveMeSport.

Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his options in the middle of the park ahead of the transfer market’s closure tomorrow evening.

Newcastle transfer news – Sander Berge

As per Sky Sports News, Newcastle are considering making an offer to Sheffield United to take Sander Berge on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy, though the Blades’ financial situation means that they would prefer a cash deal or an obligation to buy in the future.

However, the Tyneside outfit will have competition on their hands after Fulham made a £20m bid to sign the former Genk man last weekend.

The Magpies will be looking to make a midfield addition to the squad before tomorrow’s transfer deadline, having allowed Jonjo Shelvey to undergo a medical at Nottingham Forest on Monday.

It was reported at the start of the month that Howe wanted Newcastle to sign a number six in January, but the club are yet to secure any midfield signings as of yet.

Transfer insider Dean Jones told GiveMeSport in December that Liverpool were also interested in the services of Berge during the winter window, but Crook has now revealed that Newcastle are in talks with Sheffield United over a potential move for the 24-year-old.

What has Crook said about Newcastle and Berge?

Crook told GiveMeSport: “They’ve contacted Sheffield United to ask if they can take Sander Berge on loan with an obligation to buy.”

Would Berge be a good signing for Newcastle?

Berge – who teammate Rhian Brewster described as a “Rolls-Royce” – would be an interesting addition to Howe’s side and could hold down a position at the base of the Newcastle midfield for himself should he sign on the dotted line at St. James’ Park.

The January 2020 £22m signing has made 19 Championship appearances this season, hitting the back of the net four times and providing three assists, suggesting that he can provide a creative threat from his deep-lying position.

The 32-cap Norway international also compares favourably with his positional peers, ranking in the top 2% of midfielders across the next eight competitions for touches in the opposition’s penalty area (3.48) and top 5% for non-penalty goals (0.23) and dribbles completed per 90 minutes (1.54) over the last 365 days, as per FBref.

Therefore, a move within the next 24 hours could be seen as a matter of priority for PIF and Howe, but it looks as though the Magpies will face stiff competition for Berge’s signature in the form of Fulham.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.

News Now – Sport News