Sander Berge wants to join Serie A side Napoli this summer, according to Calciomercato, despite Tottenham Hotspur recently making Sheffield United an offer for the midfielder.
Napoli are assessing a vast number of options who could improve Luciano Spalletti’s engine room before the August 31 deadline. Berge’s name is one that appeals to the Stadio Diego Armanda Maradona hierarchy, but a deal with the Blades would be difficult to pull off.
Napoli would need Sheffield United to sanction a loan transfer for Berge to move to Italy this month. However, the Bramall Lane outfit currently have no interest in letting the 23-year-old leave on a temporary deal.
Sheffield United and Napoli have been discussing potential arrangements to sign Berge for a number of months. Gazzetta dello Sport report the Norwegian is Azzurri Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli’s top target, after losing Diego Demme to injury plus Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The Blades have been steadfast all summer that, despite their relegation, Berge will only leave for £30m, per The Sun. They paid Genk £22m in January 2020, and rejected a €20m (£17m) offer from Arsenal this May, per Jeunes Footeux.
Tottenham recently offered Sheffield United €20m (£17m) for Berge, as well, per Homme du Match. The French publication added Berge was also holding out for a Premier League return if he leaves Sheffield United this summer, but Napoli have twisted his arm, it seems.
Tottenham still have chance to sign Berge despite Napoli interest
Tottenham still have a chance to sign Berge from Sheffield United before the August 31 deadline, despite Napoli’s interest. Giuntoli may have to work wonders to convince the Blades to agree on terms suitable for his Serie A side. And the Bramall Lane outfit’s refusal to agree a loan comes as a big boost to Tottenham’s pursuit.
Spurs Manging Director Fabio Paratici could beat his former Italian rival by increasing the north Londoner’s offer. Yet Tottenham would also have to convince Berge to join, it would appear, given his supposed desire to join Napoli.
But Paratici striking a deal with Sheffield United for Tottenham to sign Napoli target Berge would afford Nuno Espirito Santo a robust addition. Chris Wilder spoke fondly of the 24-cap international while in charge at Bramall Lane, telling VG: “Sander has been unique.
“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 another, but he sees no disadvantage in being versatile. Complete midfielders are like that.”
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