Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a move to sign Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, with the Magpies enjoying a hectic end to the transfer window having just wrapped up a deal for Anthony Gordon.

What's the word?

According to respected insider Craig Hope, the St James' Park club are believed to be eyeing a potential temporary swoop for the 24-year-old Blades maestro before Tuesday's deadline, with the trusted source writing on Twitter: "Newcastle are exploring a loan deal for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge."

In his subsequent piece for the Daily Mail, Hope revealed that the Tynesiders are hoping to secure a loan deal for the Norwegian colossus before the end of the month, with Eddie Howe's midfield ranks set to be depleted amid Jonjo Shelvey's impending move to Nottingham Forest.

The report suggests that the Norway midfielder is among the list of targets to replace the Englishman, although it is uncertain as to whether Paul Heckingbottom's side would sanction a loan approach. There is also strong rival interest from fellow Premier League side Fulham, who are said to be in talks regarding a possible deal.

Dream Shelvey heir

As stated above, it does appear that the long-serving Shelvey is set to move to the City Ground imminently, with the 30-year-old playmaker having been facing an uncertain future at Newcastle with just six months remaining on his existing deal.

Although the former Swansea City man - who joined Newcastle back in 2016 - has seen his involvement limited of late due to injury, the experienced asset still appeared a notable favourite of Howe, having been described as an "incredible technician" by the one-time Bournemouth boss.

The need to replace the £70k-per-week maestro with deadline day looming is far from an ideal scenario, with the Magpies having to fill the void of a figure who has been a "huge player" for the club (as per Howe) after racking up 202 appearances for the Toon in all competitions.

However, turning to the aforementioned Berge could prove to be an ideal solution for the Premier League high-flyers, with the former Genk powerhouse - who arrived in England on a £22m deal three years ago today - having shown his class at Bramall Lane of late.

The towering 6 foot 4 maestro has been a leading presence for the Championship club this season, racking up a respectable haul of four goals and three assists in 19 league outings so far, while also demonstrating his creative flair by averaging 1.2 key passes per game in that time.

The defensive midfielder has also proven himself particularly effective at driving his team up the field from deep, with the elegant "Rolls-Royce" - as lauded by team-mate Chris Basham - ranking in the top 5% among those in his position in the 'Men's next eight competitions' for dribbles completed (as per FBref).

That attacking thrust is complemented by the 32-cap titan's defensive prowess, as he has averaged 1.2 tackles per game in the current Championship campaign. That's a similar record to what Shelvey recorded in the top flight last season, as the 30-year-old averaged 1.3 for the same metric.

Being able to secure an asset who can make a difference in the final third and also provide some physicality and bite to the midfield could well be an astute move for Howe and co, ensuring that Newcastle are able to swiftly find a worthy successor for the Nottingham-bound Shelvey.