£25m transfer target opens up on Newcastle United, Fulham and West Ham United interest

Sander Berge has suggested transfer speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle United and Fulham ‘wasn’t a big deal’.

The Sheffield United midfielder was reportedly the subject of enquiries from both Premier League clubs in the final days of the January transfer window. The Magpies are believed to have made an offer to take the Norway international on loan with a view to a permanent move this summer after they allowed Jonjo Shelvey to depart to Nottingham Forest.

There was competition from Fulham as Marco Silva looked to add Berge to his squad and the Cottagers are said to have lodged on unsuccessful £25m offer on the final day of the window. West Ham United have also been linked with a move for the midfielder.

Speculation over Berge’s future was further fuelled when he failed to appear in a 1-1 draw in an FA Cup tie at National League club Wrexham just 48 hours before the transfer deadline was reached.

However, he remained at Bramall Lane and has featured in all three of the Blades fixtures since that draw in Wales and scored in Saturday’s 3-0 home win against Swansea City as his side boosted their hopes of making a return to the Premier League.

He told SUTV Live: ”I have my people who sort that stuff with the club. I didn’t look too much into it.

“I also wanted to be part of the Wrexham squad. I was sitting by the phone at home with my dad. He came to watch the Wrexham games, so luckily I got to play that one here at home. For me, it wasn’t a big deal, it’s part of the game. Transfer windows, there will always be speculation. I just move on, I just want to have fun and play football.

“It’s a great group to be around, the way we are playing at the moment and for the last 12-14 months since the new staff came in has been brilliant. It’s a great team and club to be part of. We are rising, every week, and pushing for promotion. That would be a perfect end to this season.”