Dan Ashworth ‘holds talks’ with former Newcastle target at Manchester United

Manchester United have held preliminary talks with Burnley over Sander Berge - previously linked with Newcastle United.

Toon chiefs were reportedly considering a move for the midfielder 18 months ago after allowing Jonjo Shelvey to join Nottingham Forest. Eddie Howe’s men were light in midfield but the Magpies took a risk and dodged the transfer - a move that proved wise.

Anthony Gordon arrived that window for £40million and Berge would leave Sheffield United to join Burnley just five months later. The Norwegian opened up about the Newcastle speculation once the window slammed shut.

“It was a bit like that back and forth,” Berge said. “The club and my agents tried to see what was possible to achieve. There was interest there. It never got to the point where I needed to make a choice. 

“I wasn’t very involved. It passed, then I was playing matches again. There will be speculation. The boys know how to make a bit of fun out of it.”

Leading Newcastle’s recruitment, working alongside Howe and Steve Nickson, was former sporting director Ashworth. The 53-year-old officially left Tyneside to join Man United last month following a bitter five-month saga.

And ironically, Sky Sports claim the Red Devils have “held initial talks” with Burnley about bringing Berge to Old Trafford. Man United would reportedly be willing to pay £20million and the player is keen given the Clarets’ recent relegation.

Newcastle moved on swiftly from Berge, signing Sandro Tonali in July. While the move has been a disaster so far given his 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations, the £55million man returns on September 1 with a point to prove this season.