Chelsea are interested in signing Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge in the January transfer window. That's according to JeunesFooteu, who say the Blues are in a race with Liverpool for the Norwegian's signature.
Berge moved to England in January 2020 where he joined the Blades for around €23million (£19.8m). The highly-rated Norway international thought he had taken the next step in his career by moving to the Premier League only for Sheffield United to be relegated back down to the Championship and now he finds himself wanting to leave Bramall Lane.
The report claims that the 24-year-old is eager to leave the Sheffield-based club, with several Premier League teams, including Chelsea and Liverpool, keeping a close eye on the situation. The Blues see the midfield area as their priority ahead of the next couple of transfer windows.
READ MORE: How Kylian Mbappe nearly joined Chelsea as England prepare for PSG star in France World Cup test
football.london understands there have been numerous conversations behind the scenes at Chelsea where midfield recruitments have been the main subject. Declan Rice remains a priority for the club, but a move for the West Ham United midfielder won't be until the season's end.
Edson Alvarez of Ajax remains an option after the Blues failed with a £43m offer in the summer. The Mexican wanted to join Chelsea at the time, but his employers wanted to keep hold of him with no time to look for a replacement.
It now appears Berge is also an option for Chelsea and perhaps a cheaper one than the two listed above. Some reports claim Berge has a £35m release clause inserted into his contract with the Blades.
With N'Golo Kante and Jorginho both seeing their contracts at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season – and no resolution close at the moment – Chelsea need to look elsewhere for replacements. There are expected to be at least two midfielders brought into the club over the next couple of transfer windows – and Berge could be one of them.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea have a secret weapon in their bid to beat Liverpool and Real Madrid to Jude Bellingham
Chelsea benefit from World Cup opportunity Graham Potter must make most of when season restarts
Memphis Depay one of three summer transfers Chelsea can secure for Graham Potter in January
Why Mateo Kovacic shouted at Josko Gvardiol as Chelsea face crowded path to £90m transfer
Graham Potter faces difficult decision with major Thomas Tuchel strength now a Chelsea problem