Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign Burnley midfielder Sander Berge, according to The Athletic.
The Norway international had been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks, with the Red Devils on the market for a new defensive midfielder.
Man United had submitted an official bid to sign Berge, but it was swiftly turned down by Burnley, who were holding out for at least £30 million.
Berge initially moved to Turf Moor from Sheffield United in a deal worth around £12m, and the Clarets were determined to recoup a significant profit from his exit.
However, Man United baulked at their asking price, paving the way for Fulham to swoop in, and the west Londoners have now agreed a deal worth £20m plus an additional £5m in potential add-ons.
Berge is expected to travel to London with his agent Morten Wivestad later today to undergo medicals once given the all-clear.
Fulham looked like they were going to sign Scott McTominay from Man United but ultimately pulled out of the deal due to their expensive demands.
They’re now finalising a deal to sign Berge, who will become the club’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca and Emile Smith Rowe.
Berge made 37 appearances for Burnley last season as the Clarets were relegated from the Premier League.
He created five big chances, expertly won the ball back with a 5.5 recovery success rate per match, and won 54% of his total duels.
Fulham manager Marco Silva has been looking for a defensive midfielder since Joao Palhinha moved to Bayern Munich. Barring any last-minute twists, he will welcome Berge to the fold in the coming days.
Fulham’s move for Berge will end their interest in McTominay after seeing multiple bids turned down by Man United, although the Scottish midfielder is also attracting interest from Napoli.
Despite missing out on Berge, Man United are still in the market for a defensive midfielder and will likely ramp up their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte on loan.
Stats from Sofascore.com
