Why Sheffield United could be forced to wait until summer to follow up interest in £20m man Sander Berge

The young Genk midfielder was thought to be of interest to Blades boss Chris Wilder in the summer, but media reports in Belgium suggested the player vetoed any potential move with the Blades tipped to be facing a relegation battle.

United currently sit comfortably in the Premier League's top ten, though, and sit eighth in the top-flight table - just a point behind Manchester United in fifth - ahead of this weekend's trip to Crystal Palace.

Reports in Belgium suggest that Genk are seeking a January deal that allows 21-year-old Berge to remain with them for the rest of the season, while The Star understands suggestions that United have seen a £20m bid rejected this month to be wide of the mark due to the size of the budget at Wilder's disposal.

But with United so close to securing their Premier League status for another season - and with supporters dreaming of qualifying for European football next term - and the associated revenue those achievements would bring, Berge's name may feature on Wilder's wishlist for the summer as he looks to continue United's progress since he took charge.

Genk's director of football, Dimitri de Condé, claimed that United made a “nice offer” for the Norweigan youngster in the summer and the player himself has admitted interest from the Blades and Brighton in the summer was "interesting".

"Overall, the right choice was to stay," he said in an interview with Norway’s TV2 ahead of Genk’s Champions League tie against Red Bull Salzburg back in September.

"So, people will always ask those questions about what was best, but I am very pleased with it. It was a good decision.

“I can’t go into more detail about things, but of course, it was interesting. I could have gone this summer, that’s not to hide. But I felt it was best to stay.”