Manchester United’s first bid for Sander Berge rejected by Burnley | OneFootball

It is common knowledge currently that after considerably strengthening the back line, Manchester United are eyeing a defensive midfielder next.

Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain was the club’s preferred choice but due to the Ligue 1 side’s excessive asking price, no deal has materialised despite the Uruguayan being desperate to leave.

He had even agreed personal terms but following Casemiro’s strong start to the new season, there are rumours that the Red Devils might move on to someone more economical.

Sander Berge of Burnley emerged as a shock target with his Premier League experience and attributes impressed the recruitment experts at the club,

Berge is a shock target

The Old Trafford side got in touch with the player’s camp and the Norwegian, understandably, was delighted with the interest and promptly verbally agreed to United’s offer with only the clubs left to hash out an agreement.

However, that is where the dreaded United tax struck with the recently-relegated side choosing to up their demands forgetting that INEOS are not like the Glazers.

The Daily Mail have now claimed that United submitted their first offer for the former Sheffield United star but the Championship side has rejected the bid.

They are still holding out for £30 million for a player they acquired for only £12 million. The 20-time English league champions are not prepared to pay over £20 million for the 26-year-old “unbelievable” star.

Berge has been left out of the Burnley squad for their first two Championship games of the season with manager Scott Parker revealing the decision was taken mainly as a precaution due to injury concerns.

“Two players who the Red Devils have a keen eye on are Burnley’s Sander Berge and Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte.

United’s bid rejected

“United have made an offer for Berge but are short of their £30m valuation while PSG’s Ugarte is favoured if they drop their asking price.

“Berge has not been involved in any of Burnley’s opening two fixtures in the Championship under new boss Scott Parker. However, Parker stated Berge’s absence for the season opener against Luton was due to ‘a slight knock’, later revealed to be a small quad injury.”

The new co-owners have shown they are not afraid to leave negotiations and Burnley, who are currently protected due to parachute payments, might be in danger should they not bounce back up immediately.

United fans would prefer Ugarte but any deal for a new midfielder must happen at the club’s preferred price as the Glazers have ruined the club’s reputation in the market, something Sir Jim Ratcliffe is working hard to repair.

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