Newcastle transfer news: Toon showed the most interest in signing Sander Berge

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Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Sander Berge during the January transfer window, with the midfielder remaining at Sheffield United.

The Norway international emerged as a target for the Magpies after news broke that Jonjo Shelvey was going to leave St James’ Park. His move to Nottingham Forest left Eddie Howe scrambling to sign a replacement, with the likes of Berge and Conor Gallagher linked.

But neither arrived at Newcastle. Toon Sporting Director Dan Ashworth was unable to sign a midfielder, meaning that Howe will just have to go with what he’s got for the rest of the season.

That could be a huge risk, especially given that Bruno Guimaraes is now going to miss the next three games due to suspension. In contrast, some will argue that not replacing Shelvey is not an issue as we have managed all season without him.

Both sides of the argument are valid, and only time will tell whether or not Newcastle made a mistake in not signing a midfielder in January. However, it was not for lack of trying.

Newcastle were more interested in Sander Berge than West Ham

According to Norwegian outlet TV2, Newcastle showed the most interest in signing Berge on transfer deadline day, with Fulham and West Ham also keen.

They state that the Magpies contacted Sheffield United about a loan deal that would include an option to buy him in the summer.

However, an initial loan deal was not ideal for the Blades, who are currently in the midst of a transfer embargo. It was claimed that a permanent move for Berge could have allowed their embargo to be lifted, but that wouldn’t have happened if he was loaned out.

In the end, the £22million man is staying at Bramall Lane. Fulham brought in Sasa Lukic, while both Newcastle and West Ham failed to sign the midfielder they were looking for.

It is a shame, as Berge could have been a solid addition at St James’ Park. He is capable of playing that number six role, and has a great range of passing.

However, it is understandable why the Magpies did not go all out to bring him to Tyneside. Berge is clearly not one of Howe’s top targets, and it was merely a reaction to Shelvey’s departure.

Rather than simply get a body in, Newcastle have decided to go with what they have got and wait until the summer to sign the midfielder they crave. And it feels highly unlikely that it will be Berge.