“Able to dominate games” – Newcastle United join EFL transfer race, rival has tabled eight-figure bid: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Newcastle United have joined the race for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, as per The Chronicle’s live transfer blog (30/01, 12:12pm).

The 24-year-old is the target of a host of Premier League clubs with the Blades seemingly keen to cash in due to the embargo placed upon them by the EFL after they failed to pay installments owed from a previous transfer.

Fulham are said to have bid more than £20 million for the midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer of 2024.

But would the player be a good signing for Newcastle? And how much should the Championship club be demanding?

We asked our FLW writers just that…

Josh Cole

When you consider that Newcastle are set to part ways with Jonjo Shelvey, there may need to bolster their options in the heart of midfield before the window closes and thus a move for Berge could be a clever bit of business.

The midfielder has already featured on 29 occasions in the top flight during his career and thus will be confident in his ability to hit the ground running at St James’ Park.

The only obstacle Newcastle will need to overcome in this pursuit is the interest being shown in the Norwegian by Fulham as they certainly have the financial capabilities to match the Blades’ valuation.

By offering Berge assurance regarding game-time, the Magpies could win the race for his signature before the window closes.

Ned Holmes

This could be a shrewd bit of business from a Newcastle United perspective.

Jonjo Shelvey looks to be on the move and so Eddie Howe would be wise to add another body in midfield to aid their top four push.

Sander Berge has proven his quality at Premier League level in the past and would suit the 4-3-3 system that Eddie Howe favours at St James’ Park – with his bursting runs forward likely to be particularly effective.

Given his contract situation and the EFL embargo, it seems as though a cut-price deal could be struck so it would be a good time to move for the Norway international.

That said, there is significant interest from Premier League clubs so the Blades should be looking for at least £25 million in my eyes.

Justin Peach

It feels inevitable that Berge might be on his way out of Bramall Lane before the transfer deadline.

It will come as a huge blow to Paul Heckingbottom and his side as Berge is clearly a standout midfielder in the entire division.

He’s shown how vital he is to the Blades as they look a much better side with him than without. With Berge being a key player, holding out for the highest fee possible is imperative, but with the Blades being under a transfer embargo their hands could be tied.

They’ve lost some bargaining power, so him moving on for anything less than £20m seems likely.

For Fulham, they will be getting a strong, athletic midfielder who’s able to dominate games in midfield. He will grow to become a key player for them, and will play huge role in helping the Cottagers finish as high up the Premier League table as possible should he sign.