Manchester City's hopes of signing Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge this summer look to have been handed a boost after reports suggested that he sees his future away from Bramall Lane and that his release clause has also dropped to £35m, which should surely put Pep Guardiola and his staff on high alert as they consider transfer options ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Norway international was linked with a move to City recently, with Voetbal24 claiming that the 23-year-old is top of Guardiola's list to replace Fernandinho at the Etihad this summer, with the Brazilian's future in doubt as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Berge was only signed by the Blades in January 2020 and established himself as a key fixture at Bramall Lane as the South Yorkshire side enjoyed a superb campaign back in the top-flight following their promotion.

However, things have not gone to plan for United or Berge this season, as long-standing manager Chris Wilder was sacked earlier this year with the Blades bottom of the league, and they have since been relegated back to the Championship.

Injuries have certainly played their part in Sheffield United's demise, with Berge missing a significant portion of the season after requiring surgery, which saw him sidelined between December and March.

As a result, he has managed just 15 appearances in the Premier League, averaging a less than impressive 6.43 rating, which is a stark contrast to the solid 6.81 rating he managed in the second half of the 2019/20 campaign.

This suggests that when he's fully fit, and perhaps playing in a better team, Berge can still be an excellent player in the Premier League, and given that he is only 23, he still has plenty of time to develop.

Former manager Wilder has previously tipped the youngster for a move to a Champions League club, and was full of praise for him earlier in the season, saying:

"He's a positive boy with a brilliant attitude, I love him to bits and would love him to stay regardless of what happens."

Therefore, following the news about Berge's release clause and the reports suggesting that he wants to leave Sheffield United, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely work hard on bringing him to the Etihad this summer, as he could prove to be an excellent addition to Guardiola's squad.

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