Sheffield United set for a transfer battle with Premier League giants

Sheffield United have told Arsenal they will reject the £20m bid the Londoners are reportedly planning for their goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, as talks about Sander Berge’s proposed move to the Emirates Stadium continue behind the scenes.
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As The Star reported earlier this month, senior figures in South Yorkshire and north London have yet to make official contact about Berge’s future with agents granted authority to act on their behalf so far handling the discussions.

United’s £35m valuation of a player they signed for only £22m a little over a year-and-a-half ago has frustrated their counterparts in the capital, who have so far shown little inclination to meet that demand. And with Arsenal also now said to be showing interest in Ramsdale, who has been summoned into England’s European Championship squad ahead of tonight’s game against Scotland at Wembley, the two clubs are set to find themselves at loggerheads again with Mikel Arteta’s side said to be preparing to offer £20m in exchange for the goalkeeper.

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Confident that Ramsdale will not agitate for a move - he provided reassurances after they were relegated from the Premier League that he is ready to stay at Bramall Lane - United’s transfer negotiators have let it be known that has no chance of being accepted; representing only a £1.5m return on the money they paid to re-sign the youngster from AFC Bournemouth last summer.

Sheffield United's Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSheffield United's Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Sheffield United's Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

After being called-up by Southgate following an injury to their former loanee Dean Henderson, United believe Ramsdale is now worth in the region of £40m given his age and potential.

Capped 25 times by his country at under-21 level, Ramsdale was unable to prevent United losing their top-flight status last term. But, after being named as their player of the year year following a superb end to the campaign, new manager Slavisa Jokanovic wants him to anchor United’s planned push for promotion next season.

Berge, previously of Genk, is expected to depart after outlining his desire to play Champions League football again having represented the Belgians in the competition before heading to United. His contract is not set to expire until 2024 while Ramsdale’s also has another three years left to run.