Aston Villa are interested in a move to bring Sander Berge to Villa Park this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claim that Dean Smith is keen to strengthen in central midfield during the summer transfer window, with the 23-year-old Sheffield United star thought to be a target of the 50-year-old.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the Norway international, although the Gunners are believed to have been put off by the Blades' £35m asking price for the midfielder, something that could open the door for the Villains.

Villa are also thought to be keen on Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, although Hampshire Live report that Ralph Hasenhuttl's side have no intention of selling the 26-year-old this summer.

Lange must move

While Berge was sidelined due to injury for a large portion of Sheffield United's campaign last term, a season in which the Blades suffered relegation back to the Championship, the £16.2m-rated man proved in his debut season at Bramall Lane that he is an exceptionally talented player.

Indeed, over his 14 Premier League appearances back in 2019/20, Berge scored one goal, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and winning 5.5 duels per game.

These returns saw the £38k-per-week midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as Chris Wilder's seventh-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, if a move for James Ward-Prowse does not materialise, it would appear highly advisable for Johan Lange to make a move for the Sheffield United man this summer - even if they are a different type of midfielder.

Berge, dubbed a "complete midfielder" by Wilder last season, would be yet another excellent addition to Smith's side in the current transfer window, as the 50-year-old looks to build a side capable of improving on Villa's impressive 2020/21 campaign next time around.

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