Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool, Chelsea in ‘duel’ over Sheffield United gem after tracking him ‘for several months’

Sander Berge and Anel Ahmedhodzic of Sheffield United

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly in a battle to sign Sander Berge from Sheffield United after keeping tabs on his situation ‘for several months’.

Berge has made 13 appearances so far this season, notching three goals and three assists. He enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign, causing opposition defenders plenty of problems alongside Iliman Ndiaye and Oli McBurnie.

However, the central midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage during Sheffield United’s 1-0 defeat to QPR on October 4. And he has been out of action ever since.

The World Cup break has been kind to Berge and he is now back in Blades training. However, it is unclear whether he will feature in Saturday’s game against Huddersfield Town.

While Berge hasn’t played for over two months, it seems his top performances towards the start of the season left a big impression.

French source Jeunes Footeux claim Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea both hold an interest in the Norway international. And they are in a ‘duel’ to land him in January.

Jeunes Footeux add that Liverpool and Chelsea have been ‘attentive to his situation for several months’. It seems they will monitor how Berge returns from his injury ahead of potential bids in January.

This is not the first time the two Prem sides have been linked with Berge. They were both apparently keen on him during the summer, only to end up pursuing alternative transfer targets.

Instead, it was Club Brugge who pushed hardest to capture the 24-year-old on the summer transfer deadline day. Sheffield United even had Ismael Kone – who has since agreed to join Watford – lined up as Berge’s potential replacement.

However, Club Brugge fell well short of Sheffield United’s asking price for Berge. As such, he remained at Bramall Lane.

Liverpool, Chelsea in the mix for Sander Berge

Liverpool and Chelsea are now being tipped to go back on the hunt for the Blades star. But their success will largely depend on how Berge sees his future.

With Sheffield United currently second in the Championship, there is a good chance they will gain promotion back to the top flight come the end of the season.

This would give Berge the chance to shine at the highest level once again. Therefore, he wouldn’t need to push for an exit during the winter transfer window.

There is a small chance Berge could tell Sheffield United chiefs he wants to leave as soon as possible, which would give Liverpool and Chelsea a great opportunity. But this is unlikely, given how respectable he has proven himself to be in these situations before.

The report explains that Liverpool expect to lose both Naby Keita and Arthur Melo at the end of the campaign. Keita will be allowed to leave on a free transfer, while Arthur’s loan will simply expire.

This explains why the Reds are targeting Berge, as he would help to solve some of their midfield problems.

But a far more likely transfer for Jurgen Klopp’s side is that of Jude Bellingham. He is a step above Berge and is currently shining on the biggest stage with England.

Chelsea, meanwhile, must prepare for the departures of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante. Like Keita, both of their contracts are running down.

There is also uncertainty regarding Denis Zakaria, as he could be allowed to depart once his loan from Juventus finishes.

Berge is one of several players Chelsea are considering to revamp their midfield. The Blues also hold an interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, according to one journalist.

Meanwhile, Klopp has confirmed a Liverpool star has suffered an injury setback.