Burnley midfielder Sander Berge is a transfer option for Manchester United if a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte falls through, according to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles.
The 26-year-old – once dubbed a ‘very good player’ by Roy Keane – is expected to leave Burnley this summer following their relegation to the Championship.
“They have begun to look at other alternatives,” Castles said on the latest episode of The Transfers Podcast.
“Another individual who I am told they are discussing as an option should the Ugarte deal not go through is Norway international midfielder Sander Berge.
“He is an interesting option – a different style to Ugarte. Certainly a taller player, a more elegant player in the midfield, but very good at retaining possession, in distribution.
“Obviously he has Premier League experience – 66 games in the top tier, three goals, four assists, and would definitely be cheaper than Ugarte.”
Berge featured in 37 Premier League games last term, scoring once and assisting twice, but he could not do enough to keep Burnley up.
Playing through balls and blocking balls are the Norwegian defensive midfielder’s strengths, and he impressed with Sheffield United before joining the Turf Moor club.
Liverpool were keen on him while Jurgen Klopp was their manager, and he is desperate to prove himself at a bigger club.
Man United could be ready to give him a chance, and the fact that he once impressed Keane speaks volumes.
Ugarte remains first-choice for the Red Devils, and they are willing to sell Scott McTominay or Casemiro to fund a move for the PSG star.
Man United are keen to sign Ugarte, but they have a contingency plan in place in Berge, and going after a cheaper option with Premier League experience could be a shrewd financial decision.
