Aston Villa have become the favourites to sign Sheffield United star Sander Berge this summer, according to reports.
The Norwegian international is being linked with a move as his team edges closer to relegation.
The Blades have picked up just 11 points from 25 games, giving them an almost impossible task to stay up.
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According to Eurosport, relegation to the Championship would signal Berge’s exit from Bramall Lane.
The report states that Aston Villa are potential suitors for the midfielder and look most likely to land him.
They could sign Berge to partner either John McGinn or Douglas Luiz in the centre of the park.
That kind of midfield partnership would continue to allow Jack Grealish with the freedom to attack.
Berge joined Sheffield United in January 2020 for a club-record £22million fee.
He’s proven to be a success in the Premier League, although he is currently recovering from hamstring surgery.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United were all thought be interested in him at one stage.
They were joined by Tottenham in the hunt for his signature.
Given Berge’s talent and ambitions, he is unlikely to want to play in the Championship next season.
That leaves Villa open to securing a deal. However, one sticking point will be the transfer fee.
The Blades will want to make a profit on one of their star players, meaning Villa might have to spend around £30million.
Villa have signed Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings for similar fees in recent seasons.
Given their success in the first team, club chiefs might sanction a major deal for Berge in the coming months.
They might be forced to sign a midfielder too if Man City set their sights on Luiz.
The Brazilian joined from City in 2019, with the title hopefuls including a £25million buy-back fee in the deal.
Given his impressive form this term, City might now exercise that option.