Sheffield United: Team mate insists it's vital 'Rolls Royce' Sander Berge is not sold
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With the market set to close in one week’s time, Berge’s future at the club is still in doubt following manager Paul Heckingbottom’s admission that “several” offers have been received for the midfielder’s services.
Although none of those have come close to triggering the £35m release clause contained within the Norway international’s contract, or luring United to the negotiating table amid reports they would consider any bid which provides a return on their investment, agents acting on his behalf are still thought to be exploring several lines of enquiry across Europe.
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Berge enters Friday’s game against Luton Town having scored seven times in his last 18 appearances for Heckingbottom’s side and Basham said: “It’s very important Sander is still here. He’s been fantastic since September of last year and the manager backs him.
"If we can keep him and be playing at the highest level ourselves, then why not? He’s like people say, the Rolls Royce of the football club. He’s playing well.”
Heckingbottom has made no secret of his desire to retain Berge’s services, spending much of the past month subtly distancing himself from any decision to consider cashing in on a player who commanded a £22m fee when he left Genk two years ago. Heckingbottom’s tactics, reminding Berge’s deal does not expire until the summer after next and claiming he has been assured United do not need to sell, suggests he is not entirely convinced the midfielder will still be at his disposal ahead of September 4th’s visit to Hull City. Likewise, although he disputes this is the case, the arrival of Manchester City duo Tommy Doyle and James McAtee on loan.
Although Doyle has made a slow start to his career in South Yorkshire, after sustaining an injury during pre-season, Basham said: The manager has gone out and brought some quality players in and Tommy has been brilliant in training. He can definitely step in.”
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Hide AdSpeaking ahead of United’s win over Blackburn Rovers, which saw them climb to the top of the Championship table, Heckingbottom acknowledged Berge is “ambitious” - which was taken as an indication he wants to compete in the Premier League and Europe.
“Sander is a level above and hopefully we can keep him,” Basham said. “If he keeps progressing, then he can get the move that he wants I’m sure. But if we’re in the Premier League, then why would he want to go anywhere else?”
Basham made his first appearance of the campaign against Rovers, being introduced as a substitute towards the end of the 3-0 victory. After being beaten during the opening round of games, by Watford, United dispatched Millwall and Sunderland either side of a draw with Middlesbrough.
“The great start, it’s what we wanted,” said Basham, after helping them reach the play-off semi-finals last term. “Everyone is playing fantastic and the manager is changing a few different things here and there.
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Hide Ad“We got so close last year, played ever so well. But there is a hunger there. He brought us in a couple of weeks early so we could get ahead of everyone else and it’s worked.”