Sheffield United identify TWO possible alternatives to Genk's Sander Berge

Officials acting on behalf of Chris Wilder’s side have opened talks with the Belgian club after making Berge, one of Europe’s most coveted young talents, their leading target ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.

But having repeated his desire to see United complete their latest recruitment drive long before the window closes, Wilder, together with his coaching staff, has identified two alternative options should negotiations fail to progress quickly.

The Star understands Camara, who plays for Olympiacos and the Guinea national team, has also attracted interest from United in recent months while Grillitsch, of Austria and Hoffenheim, is another player Wilder admires.

Bids for one, or both, will be submitted if he suspects Genk are attempting to stall in the hope that another team enters the race for Berge.

Camara, aged 22, started his career in Africa before joining French outfit AC Ajaccio in 2015. He spent two seasons at the Stade Francois Cody, ahead of a £2.5m move to Greece.

Grillitsch, two years Camara’s senior, is about to enter the final 17 months of his contract with the Germans and has impressed United’s scouts since emerging on Wilder’s radar. He has been capped 14 times at international level.

Berge, aged 21, was the subject of a tentative enquiry from United last summer before coming under their microscope again in recent weeks.

A regular Norway international, he is believed to have told Genk he will not sign an extension to his present deal, which also expires in 2021.