With Alex Scott eyeing a move to Chelsea, Manchester United have pivoted to Fulham’s Sander Berge to provide Premier League experience and physical presence in midfield.
Manchester United's midfield situation has changed dramatically since the start of the window. The club's initial targets were to bring in Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes to replace the outgoing Casemiro. Furthermore, a deal was agreed in principle for Éderson, which was pending a medical.
Manuel Ugarte's future was up in the air, as a sale would help United's chances of bringing in three midfielders. However, an ACL injury to the Uruguayan was the first of a series of major setbacks for the club.
The two main targets moved to Manchester City and Spurs for big money moves, respectively, and Éderson's move to United collapsed.
However, in recent times the situation has improved after the club brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and the experienced Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. With these two through the door, that means the club need one more to complete the midfield rebuild.
After an impressive season at Bournemouth, Alex Scott has become a key target for Michael Carrick's side as well as the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. However, his supposed £80 million price tag is what has put off many clubs.
It was recently reported that Scott had rejected recent contract offers from the Cherries as he wants to explore a potential move away this summer. With that being said, The Standard has revealed the midfielder is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge due to the club having the most concrete interest so far.
With that being said, it is no surprise to see the club assess other options as they look to finish their midfield overhaul.
According to TEAMtalk, United have turned to Sander Berge from Fulham as a potential alternative as they seek someone with a more defensive skill set. They also reported he would be available for around £40 million, which is half of what Scott would cost.
Berge is by no means a 'marquee name' or a player that would excite fans the same way Scott, Carlos Baleba or Manu Kone would. However, he is a player who is the definition of Premier League proven.
Whether it was at Sheffield United, Burnley or now at Fulham, he has always stood out with his intelligence and defensive nous that he possesses to sniff out danger, and in a way could fill a similar role to what Nemanja Matic did in his first season. At 6'5 he would also help fill the physicality void left by Casemiro.
At £40 million, he would provide really good value and would also allow United to spend big on other targets in other areas, whether that is bringing in Lewis Hall, a back-up striker or even another centre-back, given Lisandro Martinez's recent injury.
He might not be a popular name, but it is a shrewd market opportunity for the club to explore if a deal for Manu Kone does not advance.
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