Newcastle United have Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge high on their shopping list of Championship talents ahead of the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The Toon are desperate to strengthen Eddie Howe’s relegation-threatened side in the mid-season market. But despite having vast riches following the Saudi-led takeover at St James’ Park, the Magpies face difficulties attracting their top targets given their league position.
Newcastle will spend Christmas 19th in the Premier League table after winning just one of their 18 games so far. United have also conceded a division-high 41 goals to 18 scored. So, they hold the second-worst goal difference (-23) to basement boys Norwich (-26), as well.
Amanda Staveley is working hard with Nick Hammond, Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson and Howe in pursuit of possible targets. But there is an acceptance on Tyneside they may have to sign those out-of-favour at Premier League clubs and/or shop in the second-tier.
The Toon will only target those in the Championship who can make the step up and also be of use in the event of a relegation. So, have eyes on Bramall Lane – given their recent drop.
Berge features high on Newcastle transfer shortlist
Sheffield United technician Berge is among the names placed high on Newcastle’s January transfer shortlist of Championship stars. The 23-year-old joined the Blades in January 2020 for a club-record £22m and has two-and-a-half years left on his £33k-a-week contract.
The Norway international was an instant hit in South Yorkshire under Chris Wilder and was a huge miss last term. Berge missed 20 league games after surgery for a hamstring injury.
His injury problems have resurfaced this season with another hamstring issue keeping the 24-cap ace out for 11 second-tier fixtures. Altogether, Berge has made eight outings across all competitions in 2021/22 – starting five – for just 505-minutes, while scoring one goal.
Should Howe back Sheffield United raid next month?
If Berge can stay fit, the Sheffield United star may be a worthwhile transfer target for Howe and Newcastle. He returned to action for the second-half of the Blades’ 1-0 win at Fulham on Monday. But the Craven Cottage clash was his first substantial minutes since August.
Howe can look to Wilder’s praise for Berge when ruling on raiding Bramall Lane, however.
“Sander has been unique,” Wilder told VG last year. “He is a complete midfielder.
“He can play as an eight and a six, he can play in different formations. The wonderful thing about Sander is his attitude. He could say that he wants to play one place and no other, but he sees no disadvantage in being versatile. Complete midfielders are like that.”
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