Newcastle look to hijack Sander Berge transfer to Fulham with Toon ready to stump up £20m for Sheffield United ace

NEWCASTLE are looking to hijack Fulham’s bid for Sheffield United star Sander Berge.

The Norwegian was all set to join the Cottagers in a £20million deal.

GettySander Berge is wanted by both Fulham and Newcastle[/caption]

However, the Magpies want to sign him on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

Jonjo Shelvey is Nottingham Forest-bound and Eddie Howe sees Berge as his replacement.

The 24-year-old will have to fight for a place in the starting XI as Shelvey has featured only five times this season.

Berge joined Sheffield United in January 2020 for a club record fee of just over £20million from Belgian team Genk.

The central midfielder could not help the club survive in the Premier League despite showing his talent prior to their relegation.

Berge has continued to impress in the second tier, featuring 21 times and scoring four goals in all competitions this season.

Sheffield United are pushing hard to get back to the top-flight and are second in the Championship table but may lose one of their key players.

He was not in the squad yesterday as the Blades were held by Wrexham in a thrilling FA Cup tie, perhaps suggesting a transfer is imminent.

If Newcastle get a deal over the line for Berge then he would become the club’s second signing of the January window.

The Toon have just splashed £45million on Everton winger Anthony Gordon.

They also remain keen on West Ham right-back Harrison Ashby in a deal that could be worth £3million.