Manchester United will reportedly have to come up with an offer of around £30m if they wish to sign Burnley midfielder Sander Berge during this summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils had seemingly earmarked Manuel Ugarte as their leading midfield target, but a move for the Uruguay international now appears to be off the table.
Paris Saint-Germain are allegedly refusing to drop their €60m (£51.4m) asking price, which is forcing the 20-time English champions to explore other options this summer.
Berge is believed to be admired by the Red Devils, with the club already thought to have been in touch with the midfielder's representatives to register their interest.
According to The Sun, any hopes of completing a cut-price deal have been ended, though, with Burnley demanding a fee in the region of £30m for his services.
© Reuters
Burnley 'want £30m' for Berge
The report claims that Man United are only willing to pay £20m for Berge, but Burnley will refuse to drop their asking price despite being relegated to the Championship.
The Red Devils are said to be willing to pay the 26-year-old in the region of £100,000 a week, with the club identifying him as an ideal rotational player for the new campaign.
Berge made the move to England from Genk in 2020, turning out for Sheffield United between 2020 and 2023, scoring 15 goals and registering 12 assists in 109 appearances for the Blades in all competitions.
The 46-time Norway international then arrived at Burnley in August 2023, and he made 40 appearances for the Clarets last season, scoring twice and registering two assists in the process.
© Imago
Would Berge be a good signing for Man United?
Standing at 6ft 5in, Berge is a towering central midfielder, and he demonstrated during his time at Sheffield United that he is capable of coming up with goals and assists.
For £20m, the Norwegian would be a good addition to the Man United squad, but if the price is £30m, then the Red Devils could be forgiven for looking elsewhere.
Berge might be seen as a direct replacement for Scott McTominay, with the Scotland international currently being strongly linked with a move to Fulham.
However, he is not the statement midfield signing that Man United are seemingly searching for this summer, and it is a problematic position for the club at this moment in time due to Casemiro's struggles in 2023-24.
Erik ten Hag's side are currently preparing for Saturday's Community Shield against Manchester City, and they will then open their 2024-25 Premier League campaign at home to Fulham on August 16.
Matt Law
