Manchester City monitoring the situation of Sheffield United midfielder

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on October 24, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paul Childs - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on October 24, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paul Childs - Pool/Getty Images) /
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According to a report from Sport Witness, Manchester City have been linked with a move for Sheffield United star Sander Berge ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sander Berge, 23, joined Sheffield United from KRC Genk in January 2020 for around £22m, becoming the Yorkshire-based club’s record signing then. He made 14 appearances in his debut Premier League season, scoring a goal as the Blades finished an impressive ninth in the table upon their return to the top-flight.

The Norwegian midfielder was one of Sheffield United’s consistent performers earlier this campaign before his hamstring problem in December. Sheffield United are sitting rock bottom of the table with 14 points in 30 games, 15 points away from safety. As things stand, they are very likely to get relegated, which should considerably reduce Berge’s chances of continuing at South Yorkshire, the report claims.

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The report adds that Manchester City are planning to replace their veteran midfielder Fernandinho in the summer and Berge is at the apex of the Mancunian club’s target list, with the 23-year-old midfielder’s former club Genk eligible to 20% because of a sell-on clause on his contract.

Fernandinho, 35, has been one of Manchester City’s most consistent players over the last few seasons, helping the club win two Premier League titles among other trophies under Pep Guardiola’s management. However, he has been used sparingly this term, making 27 appearances across all competitions, but his overall influence on the squad behind the scenes looks to have been second to none.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder will turn 36 next month and is likely to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, with his contract expiring in June. A great servant to the Cityzens and a true leader on the pitch and off it, Fernandinho’s potential departure on a free transfer will leave a big void in the squad. Thus, City’s interest in Berge makes complete sense.

Sander Berge is a young, dynamic central midfielder who has done well for Sheffield United since arriving last year. The Norwegian midfielder has European experience with KRC Genk, representing the Belgian club in the Europa League and the Champions League competitions. The 23-year-old would undoubtedly add value to City’s squad, whilst competing with Rodri for the deeper role in midfield.

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At 23 years old, Berge could be a part of City’s midfield for the best part of the next decade and unlock his true potential under the watchful eyes of Guardiola. Plus, a move to Manchester City could see him fulfil his dreams of playing in the Champions League regularly, with former Blades manager Chris Wilder having claimed back in February that the Norway international is unlikely to stay at Bramall Lane for a long time.