Leeds: £35m target is ‘more mobile’ than Phillips at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United transfer target Sander Berge could be the ideal replacement for outgoing Elland Road favourite Kalvin Phillips because the Sheffield United man is ‘more mobile’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Whites head coach Jesse Marsch has wasted no time in strengthening the squad he inherited upon his appointment in February, with Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca heading to Yorkshire, but Berge could prove to be another summer addition.

What’s the latest news involving Berge?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Berge has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Leeds academy graduate Phillips.

However, the Whites may be forced to spend big in order to strike a deal as it is understood that a £35million release clause was written into the Norwegian’s contract following Sheffield United’s relegation to the Championship.

Meeting that figure would result in Berge comfortably becoming the most expensive acquisition in Leeds’ entire history.

But the Yorkshire giants might not be forced to splash quite so much cash as the 24-year-old is valued at £25million by his current employers.

Berge, a 30-cap Norway international, has made 66 appearances since joining Sheffield United for a club-record fee of £22million from Genk in January 2020.

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Berge?

O’Rourke believes Leeds could be taking a risk if they opt to test Sheffield United’s resolve and look to welcome Berge to Elland Road due to his injury record.

However, the journalist feels Berge has qualities current defensive midfielder Phillips does not possess and, as a result, could give the Whites a different dimension in the heart of the midfield.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It would be an interesting one because he has struggled with injuries, but he was back to his best last season.

“He has great energy and is used to English football as well. Kalvin Phillips will be moving on and although he is a slightly different player to Kalvin Phillips, I think Sander Berge is more mobile. He is maybe not as defensive as Kalvin Phillips is for Leeds.”

How close is Phillips to leaving Leeds?

Phillips appears to be on the brink of securing a switch to Premier League champions Manchester City after a deal worth up to £45million was agreed on Friday.

It is thought that the big-money transfer, which will see the 23-cap England international leave his boyhood club, is set to be finalised in the coming days.

Phillips is understood to have secured an Etihad Stadium contract which will see him double his current pay package at Leeds.