Newcastle transfer news: Toon willing to outbid Fulham for Sander Berge

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Newcastle United and Fulham are competing to sign Sander Berge before Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.

The Sheffield United midfielder is on the Magpies’ radar, with Eddie Howe in need of a centre midfielder ahead of Jonjo Shelvey’s move to Nottingham Forest.

The 30-year-old is set to sign for Steve Cooper’s side, leaving Newcastle light in midfield. Conor Gallagher is on the list of possible replacements, and so is Berge, who is a ‘superb player‘ according to pundit Clinton Morrison.

The Norwegian already has interest from a Premier League club, with Fulham trying to bring him to Craven Cottage. It was reported on Sunday that Marco Silva’s side were in talks over a £20million move.

Now Newcastle have entered the conversation, and could leave Sheffield United with a difficult decision to make.

Newcastle aim to win Sander Berge race

While Fulham want a permanent deal now, Newcastle are only looking to loan Berge. However, their bid would reportedly include an obligation to buy.

The Chronicle state that Newcastle want to loan the 24-year-old until the end of the season, but will propose a higher future fee than what Fulham are offering right now.

That leaves the Blades in a difficult situation, as they are currently under a transfer embargo. Selling a player, like Berge, could see that embargo lifted, which is why a deal with Fulham may appeal. However, Newcastle are prepared to pay more – albeit in the summer.

It is a curious situation with a lot of moving parts. While this has been going on, Silva’s side are close to signing another midfielder. Sasa Lukic is closing in on a move from Torino to Fulham. Whether or not that impacts their pursuit of Berge remains to be seen.

As for Newcastle, they are also looking at Gallagher, who could reportedly be told that he has to leave Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut. If that is the case, he is interested in a move to a top six club like Newcastle, and he is someone who has been on the Magpies’ radar for a long time.

Shelvey’s impending exit has created a sense of panic on Tyneside, but it appears that the Toon have a few options to replace him. Will it be Berge or Gallagher or neither? We will find out in the next 24 hours.