‘They are discussing’ – Journalist claims Man Utd want 26y/o Roy Keane dubbed ‘very good player’

Manchester United have identified Burnley midfielder Sander Berge as a transfer option should a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte fall through, according to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles.

A move for the Uruguay international is proving tricky and the Red Devils are looking at other alternatives, with his Norway international counterpart emerging as a more realistic target.

The 26-year-old – once dubbed a ‘very good player’ by Roy Keane – is expected to leave Burnley this summer following their relegation to the Championship, and the Clarets are very keen on selling him to balance their books.

“They have begun to look at other alternatives,” Castles said on the latest episode of The Transfers Podcast.

“Another individual who I am told they are discussing as an option should the Ugarte deal not go through is Norway international midfielder Sander Berge.

“He is an interesting option, a different style to Ugarte. Certainly a taller player, a more elegant player in the midfield, but very good at retaining possession, in distribution.

“Obviously he has Premier League experience, 66 games in the top tier, three goals, four assists, and would definitely be cheaper than Ugarte.”

Berge featured in 37 Premier League games last term, scoring once and assisting twice, but he could not do enough to keep Burnley up.

Playing through balls and blocking the balls are the strengths of the Norwegian defensive midfielder, and he impressed with Sheffield United before joining the Turf Moor club.

Liverpool were keen on him while Jurgen Klopp was their manager, and he is desperate to prove himself at a bigger club.

Man United could be ready to give him a chance, and the fact that he once impressed Keane speaks volumes.

Ugarte remains first-choice for the Red Devils, and they are willing to sell Scott McTominay or Casemiro to fund a move for the PSG star.

It remains to be seen whether Man United will succeed in their attempt, but they have a contingency plan in place in Berge, and going after a cheaper and quality option with Premier League experience could be a smarter financial decision.