Liverpool are interested in a move for Sander Berge and 'could go on the offensive' in January, according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux.
The Reds are thought to have been long-time admirers of the dynamic Sheffield United midfielder, having seen him score at Anfield during a 2-1 home win back on October 2020. The Blades endured a dismal campaign and were duly relegated, but Berge has remained in South Yorkshire to become one of the Championship's standout players since, with his side currently second.
The report states that the 24-year-old is 'eager to leave' Bramall Lane and could do so mid-season, with a number of Premier League clubs monitoring developments and exploring the possibility of a move in January. Liverpool are one of two named clubs alongside Chelsea, with both said to be preparing for eventual midfield departures in the summer.
READ MORE: Luis Diaz injury has forced a Liverpool risk that Jurgen Klopp won't want to take
READ MORE: Liverpool handed triple World Cup boost but Jurgen Klopp has difficult choice he must get right
They add that Klopp's side 'anticipate' the departures of Naby Keita come the end of his contract and Arthur Melo when his season long loan comes to an end. Chelsea, meanwhile, have N'Golo Kante and Jorginho running into the last few months of their respective deals.
With the Norwegian contracted until 2024, Sheffield United have no clear obligation to sell and are unlikely to do so, given their place in the Championship and battle for promotion. Berge has been pivotal for Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom when fit, with three goals and three assists in 12 league games, although he was sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury throughout the autumn.
A mobile, powerful central midfielder who contributes going forward, Berge's profile may fit what Klopp is thought to be looking for as part of his overhaul in that department. The 32-cap Norway international has Premier League and international experience, and at 24 fits the so-called 'prime age range' that the Reds have been severely lacking this season - Keita and Melo are the only aged between 22-28, and they have just 20 minutes of football between them.
Berge has long been linked with a move to Anfield, as well as many other top-flight sides, and the Norwegian spoke about the links while away in international duty back in September.
“There was a lot of interest, concrete interest, you weighed things up a bit, it had to work out for both the club and me, and it didn’t happen,” he told TV 2. "It’s always nice to sit in a position and know that there were clubs that were very interested. There is nothing negative about clubs of that size being mentioned, but you shouldn’t put too much into it."
READ NEXT
-
Luis Diaz injury latest as Liverpool braced for results of fresh knee problem
-
Jamie Carragher sends message to Richarlison after Brazil knocked out of World Cup
-
Jurgen Klopp proved right as Fabinho snub reignites Liverpool feud with Brazil coach
-
What Virgil van Dijk did as brawl breaks out in feisty Netherlands vs Argentina clash
-
EXCLUSIVE: Jamie Carragher explains how 'game changer' Bellingham can emulate Van Dijk
