Why Genk were forced to accept Sheffield United's bid for Sander Berge

Speaking as Berge prepares to make his second appearance for Chris Wilder’s side against AFC Bournemouth this weekend, Dimitri de Conde revealed he had planned to keep the 21-year-old until this summer before allowing him to leave.

But a conversation with Berge, the player’s father and his agent - after United had resurrected their interest in the midfielder following an unsuccessful attempt to broker a deal in July - prompted de Conde to relent and sanction the £22m move.

Confirming Berge’s heart was set on a move to Bramall Lane, de Conde said: “We had a very respectful conversation and the conclusion was: it is better that we say goodbye now.”

“Look, there are two facets to my job,” de Conde continued, during an interview with the Het Beland van Limburg newspaper. “One, for the experience, the interaction between players and fans, I enjoy that,

“And two, mutual respect.”

Berge made his full debut for United during their win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, playing nearly three-quarters of the game before being replaced by John Lundstram during the closing stages.

Although Lundstram impressed Wilder with a commanding second-half cameo, it would be a surprise if Berge does not start again when Eddie Howe’s team travels to South Yorkshire.

“We want tough decisions,” the United manager said. “And that’s what we've been given. So good.”