Man Utd make 3-man transfer shortlist that features Burnley star Sander Berge | OneFootball

The Red Devils are continuing to court Burnley's in-demand midfielder Sander Berge

Burnley's Sander Berge is one of three midfielders to have emerged on Manchester United's shortlist of targets despite being relegated from the Premier League with the Clarets at the end of the previous campaign.

The latest development between Berge and the Red Devils comes via a recent report from Football Insider, which has namechecked the Norway international alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte and Youssof Fofana of Monaco.

United's interest in Berge was first called over a week ago by Football Transfers, who claimed Erik ten Hag had identified the Burnley star as a potential alternative if their ongoing pursuit of Ugarte fails to come to fruition.

Their reveal was followed up by The Sun's claim of Burnley demanding a significant £30m asking price in order to part ways with Berge, despite reportedly paying a fee in the region of £12m for his services from Sheffield United last summer. As per TEAMtalk, it has since emerged that United are now readying a £25m bid for Berge who is said to be open to switching from Turf Moor for Old Trafford.

However, Berge remains a Burnley player for the time being at least, and will be in line to start on Monday evening as they commence their 2024/25 Championship campaign away at Luton Town.

Berge made 40 appearances across all competitions for Burnley last season as they were relegated from the Premier League alongside Luton and the Blades.

Burnley's Sander Berge on Man Utd three-man shortlist

Football Insider's report claims that Ugarte is still United's chief transfer target although the asking price is providing difficulty to any potential deal, forcing them to consider cheaper alternatives in the remainder of the window.

It is believed the deal is "likely to drag on" and United could find themselves with stronger financial muscle if they can move on some of their fringe players, with a dominant and deep-lying midfielder the priority following Casemiro's decline last term.

Both Fofana and Berge are additionally reported to be open to the move, though they are very much back-up options for United and could see complications handed to their own futures if United eventually broker a successful deal to take Ugarte to the North West.

The report refers to Berge as an "outside option" but ten Hag is a fan of his profile, which fits the bill of what the Dutchman is looking to incorporate into his midfield engine room.

Burnley should sanction Man Utd sale at the right price

There is no denying that Berge is a hugely important player at Burnley, and his role in the team will only be amplified this season as they look to return to the Premier League at the very first time of asking under two-time promotion-winner Scott Parker.

A powerful runner in and out of possession, Berge is an all-action, duel-dominant midfielder who provides real presence to the middle of the park with his rangy frame, which he marries with being able to both break up and advance play through his ball-carrying abilities.

He requires little introduction in the Championship either, having twice achieved promotion in years gone by and emerged among the finest and most imposing midfield operators while doing so.

That said, every player has a price. Burnley will be in no great rush to part ways with Berge after just one season in Lancashire, but they could well be poised to double what they shelled out in spite of him being part of the team that succumbed to relegation.