Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 20/08/24...

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Sander Berge transfer news: Fulham make bid to Burnley for Manchester United target
Fulham have made an offer for Burnley's Sander Berge; Berge has been a target for Manchester United; Fulham's bid worth around £20m plus add-ons; Marco Silva's side keen to add a midfielder; Scott McTominay also a target; Man Utd are keeping open dialogue with Burnley for Berge


Fulham have made a bid to Burnley for Sander Berge

Fulham have made a bid to Burnley for Manchester United target Sander Berge.
The bid is worth around £20m plus add-ons and Fulham are understood to be awaiting Burnley's response to the offer.

Berge, who has three years left on his contract at Burnley, was a shining light in the Clarets' midfield last season but could not prevent them suffering relegation back to the Championship.

Marco Silva's side are in the market for a midfielder and last week re-opened talks for Man Utd's Scott McTominay.

Fulham, who had two bids rejected for McTominay - the latest of which was worth £20m - had re-opened talks with United to sign the midfielder late last week.

Man Utd to only consider McTominay offers if player says he wants to leave
It is understood United are happy for McTominay to stay and would only sanction his sale if he makes it clear he wants to leave and a suitable offer arrives.

United are understood to be happy to keep McTominay.

Napoli also retain an interest in McTominay. However, their focus is on signing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. Any further incomings are likely to depend on the sale of Victor Osimhen.

McTominay has entered the final year of his contract. United have the option of extending for a further year.

The possible sale of McTominay would help in Manchester United's recruitment of a midfielder.

Manuel Ugarte remains a live option. Talks continue with Paris Saint-Germain over the signing.

A gap in valuation still exists, but United will stay patient as the player wants to join. Furthermore, the feeling is PSG want to do a deal.

In parallel to a potential move for Ugarte, United are keeping dialogue open with Burnley for Sander Berge and Fiorentina for Sofyan Amrabat.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/13199915/sander-berge-transfer-news-fulham-make-bid-to-burnley-for-manchester-united-target

[WhiteJC]

Bid submitted: Premier League club looking to hijack Man United deal with £20m offer
Fulham are in the market for a new central midfielder and the London club have submitted a £20m bid plus add-ons for Burnley midfielder and Man United target Sander Berge.

Marco Silva is looking to replace Joao Palhinha in his squad after the Portuguese talent departed for Bayern Munich this summer.

Fulham's top target appears to be Man United's Scott McTominay and according to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, talks are ongoing between the two Premier League clubs over the midfielder but they have yet to come to an agreement over a transfer fee.

The Manchester outfit are believed to be happy to keep the Scotland international for the 2024/25 campaign, given his importance to Erik ten Hag last season, and will only consider offers if the 27-year-old makes it clear he wants to go.

It remains to be seen if McTominay opts for a new challenge away from Old Trafford but with so little time left in the transfer window, Fulham have started working on alternative targets.

According to Sky Sports, the Cottagers have submitted a £20m bid plus add-ons for Burnley's Sander Berge, who is also a target for Man United.

Fulham make the first move for Man United target Sander Berge
Berge looks set to leave Burnley this summer as there is strong interest in the midfielder from the Premier League. Fulham have made the first move for the Norway star but it remains to be seen if Man United will now respond.

The 26-year-old is on the Red Devils' list of midfield targets should they fail to land PSG's Manuel Ugarte.

However, there may be some good news for Fulham as it has been reported on Monday by Manchester World that the English giants have made progress in their attempt to sign the Uruguay international.

This would see Man United lose interest in Berge, allowing the London club to have a free run at the Burnley star.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/19/fulham-man-united-sander-berge/

[WhiteJC]

'Fee Agreed': Fulham Steal 'Excellent' Manchester United Defensive Target
Fulham made a surprising bid for Sander Berge from Burnley, with whom Manchester United had previously been in contact.

Fulham Have Hefty Bid Accepted for Sander Berge, Manchester United Target
£25 Million Package Agreed Between Fulham and Burnley

The Athletic have reported that Fulham have "agreed to pay a fee" of £20 million for Berge. There will be an additional £5 million in add-ons potentially paid to Burnley. Personal terms have already been agreed, and the Norwegian's medical will take place shortly.

Berge was previously linked with Manchester United. The Red Devils had been in contact with the player's representatives, but it seems that their interest now lies more heavily with Manuel Ugarte.

Why Do Fulham Need Sander Berge?
Marco Silva lost arguably his best player from last season, Joao Palhinha, to Bayern Munich earlier this summer. The Portuguese has been a big part of their team for the past two years, and losing him could see them lose a lot of stability, as shown by United's success in direct attacks in the Premier League opener.

However, Fulham already have Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira, who formed the double-pivot during Friday night's match. The duo both had respectable season's last campaign and provide a competent defensive core.

The reason for signing Berge may lie more in his physical strength. He was deemed "excellent" in the Championship, partly due to his ability to bully opposition players off the ball. This allowed him to retain possession successfully, and advance play upfield. Another area in which he has been praised is his passing range. The Cottagers lost a great long passer in Palhinha, and so the signing of Berge may be more related to on-the-ball threat rather than his, still quality, defensive attributes.




https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2024/08/19/fulham-sander-berge/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League rival set to sign Manchester United target in £25,000,000 deal
Manchester United have missed the chance to sign Sander Berge, with the Burnley star set to join Fulham instead.

Berge emerged as a surprise transfer target for United with Erik ten Hag on the hunt for a new central midfielder.

PSG's Manuel Ugarte was the top target but his £51million asking price has proven to be a big stumbling block, with the likes of Berge, Sofyan Amrabat, Frenkie de Jong and Youssouf Fofana under consideration.

The Norway international has impressed in the Premier League over the past few years though he has suffered relegation twice, first with Sheffield United and then with Burnley last season.

But he won't be heading to Old Trafford, with The Athletic reporting that Fulham have agreed to sign the 26-year-old for £20m, plus £5m in potential add-ons.

Personal terms have already been agreed, with the player heading to Craven Cottage for a medical on Tuesday.

Though Berge was far from United's No.1 choice, his move to Fulham will have an impact on the rest of the Red Devils' transfer window.

The Cottagers were very interested in signing Scott McTominay and had even recently re-opened talks with United for the Scotland star, but the arrival of Berge means they are no longer in the market for a midfielder.

There is interest in McTominay from other Premier League sides as well as Napoli, but it's looking even more likely that he'll be staying put at Old Trafford.

United are not actively looking to sell the 27-year-old but that will reportedly change if the player pushes for a move.

Selling McTominay would help raise the funds to sign Ugarte, with United running out of time to land the PSG star with the transfer deadline just over a week away.



https://metro.co.uk/2024/08/19/premier-league-rival-set-sign-man-utd-target-25-000-000-deal-21452079/?ito=newsnow-feed

[WhiteJC]

Two major Man Utd deals COLLAPSE as rivals pinch target and Fabrizio Romano gives Here We Go confirmation
Manchester United have suffered a double transfer blow in one fell swoop after one possible departure fell through and a Premier League rival pinched one of their summer targets.

Man Utd have, largely, had a successful transfer window to date, securing statement signings such as Leny Yoro, 18, from Lille for £52m and fellow centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, 25, from Bayern Munich for a fee that could rise to £42.8m.

Striker Joshua Zirkzee swapped Bologna for the Red Devils in a £36.5m deal, while Bayern right-back Noussair Mazraoui signed for an initial £12.8m.

However, they haven't had it all their own way. They tried and failed to sign Joao Neves from Benfica, with the midfielder eventually joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was the subject of multiple rejected bids from United and in the end he stayed put at Goodison Park; plus, their efforts to sign PSG's Manuel Ugarte are proving difficult – but there may yet be a breakthrough in the end.

In a bid to fund their transfer war chest this summer, they sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille, Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham, and Willy Kambwala to Villarreal, among others.

They could be tempted into selling Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay and Antony if the right offer comes along, too.

McTominay, for instance, has been linked with Fulham, Napoli, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in recent weeks but for the time being, the Scotland international remains at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old had his best season to date in 2023/24 for United, scoring 10 times in 43 matches, but that may not be enough to convince the club to hold onto the academy product.

Man Utd suffer double blow
Fulham looked the most likely destination for McTominay but according to Fabrizio Romano, a move to Craven Cottage is now off.

Moreover, one of their midfield targets, Burnley's Sander Berge, will not be heading to United, either.

That is because Fulham have agreed to pay £20m plus £5m in potential add-ons for the 26-year-old, reports The Athletic.

The report adds the Norway international and his agent Morten Wivestad are travelling to London for a medical on Tuesday.

Personal terms with the player are already in place, with the former Sheffield United man set to become Fulham's fourth signing of the summer: along with Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuena and Emile Smith Rowe.

Romano added that everything is set for Berge to leave Burnley for Fulham, and signed off with his customary, 'Here we go' catchphrase.

For now, it's back to the drawing board for United.



https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/two-major-man-utd-deals-collapse-rivals-pinch-target-fabrizio-romano-gives-here-we-go-confirmation

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Fulham strike £25 million deal for Joao Palhinha replacement after ending McTominay pursuit
HITC understands that Fulham have taken a major step forward to making a midfield signing to replace Joao Palhinha this summer.

Joao Palhinha completed his move to Bayern Munich earlier this summer and this led to Marco Silva's Fulham looking for replacements.

Fulham came close to reaching an agreement to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre but the deal to take the Brazilian midfielder to Craven Cottage did not progress.

Marco Silva's Fulham were also keen on Scott McTominay and the Cottagers saw two bids rejected for the Manchester United midfielder.

Now, sources have told HITC that the London club is closing in on their chosen midfield target.

Fulham agree Sander Berge deal with Burnley
Sources have told HITC that Fulham have struck an agreement with EFL Championship side Burnley for the signing of Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge.

The Cottagers are long-term admirers of the Norwegian almost signed him in 2023, but the player failed a medical.

Now Fulham, who have been looking for a new holding midfielder since Palhinha left earlier this summer, have moved to agree terms with the Norwegian midfielder Berge.

Another side who were offered the chance to sign Berge were Manchester United with the Red Devils offered a plethora of midfielders as negotiations continue to bring in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

United did consider Berge as an option to potentially bring into their midfield but Jorge Mendes, Manuel Ugarte's agent, is confident that his client will end up at United.

Last season for Burnley, when the Lancashire club were in the Premier League, the Norwegian made 37 appearances in England's top division and is now set for a return to the pinnacle of English football.

Fulham ended McTominay interest, Napoli also keen
As mentioned, after having two offers rejected by the Red Devils for McTominay, rather than Fulham making a third bid for the Scotsman, the Cottagers instead turned their attention to Berge.

Another side who are interested in McTominay is Napoli with the Italian giants keen on signing the United midfielder this summer.

As for Fulham, sources have told HITC that a £25 million deal has now been agreed with Burnley for Berge with the add-ons making up £5 million of the deal.



https://www.hitc.com/fulham-strike-25-million-deal-for-joao-palhinha-replacement-after-ending-mctominay-pursuit/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham table bid for Burnley midfielder Berge
Fulham have tabled a £20m bid for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge.

The Whites have turned their attention to Berge, 26, after being unable to agree a deal to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United.

They are keen to bring in a midfielder following the recent sale of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich.

Berge impressed in the Premier League last season despite the Clarets' relegation. He scored in their 2-0 win at Fulham in December.

The Norway international joined Burnley last summer from Sheffield United, where he had a two-and-a-half-year spell.

Meanwhile, Fulham remain in negotiations with Crystal Palace over a possible return to Craven Cottage for former Whites loanee Joachim Andersen, but the two clubs have so far been unable to agree a fee for the Denmark defender.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-table-bid-for-burnley-midfielder-berge

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham Nears 25m Deal For Championship Midfielder

Fulham's Strategic Move: Sander Berge's Imminent Arrival
Fulham's Transfer Agility
"Fulham are close to completing the signing of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge," according to reliable reports from Andy Jones and Peter Rutzler of The Athletic. In a strategic move, the west London club are set to bolster their midfield with a significant acquisition. With a deal agreed for a £20 million fee, plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons, Fulham is making a clear statement of intent this season.

Medical and Terms Set
Berge, alongside his agent Morten Wivestad, are scheduled for a medical in London early this week. Personal terms have already been settled, paving the way for his swift integration into Marco Silva's squad. His arrival marks him as the fourth summer signing, following Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuena, and Emile Smith Rowe.

Strengthening the Midfield
After the departures of key players like Willian and João Palhinha, Berge's addition is timely. His potential contribution to Fulham's midfield dynamics is substantial, especially considering his experience with 46 caps for Norway and his Premier League tenure with Burnley and Sheffield United. Despite the initial setback of a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United, Berge's presence could significantly influence Fulham's performances, starting with their upcoming fixture against Leicester City.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
The impending signing of Sander Berge by Fulham could be one of the most astute moves of this transfer window. The club's ambition is evident, not just in targeting a player of Berge's calibre but also in the swift manner they've moved to secure his services. At £20 million, potentially rising to £25 million, Berge represents both a strategic investment and a statement of intent.

The Norwegian's versatility and experience at the top levels of football, including his international duty, are expected to inject much-needed resilience and skill into Fulham's midfield. Given the recent departures from the squad, his role will be crucial in anchoring the midfield and providing the necessary support to both defence and attack. His proven track record in the Premier League with Sheffield United and Burnley, despite the latter's relegation, shows he can handle the pressures of English football.

This signing could indeed be a catalyst for Fulham's ambitions this season, aiming not just for survival but perhaps a comfortable mid-table finish. The enthusiasm around his arrival is justified and could well be the key to a successful season at Craven Cottage.



https://eplindex.com/118208/report-fulham-nears-25m-deal-for-championship-midfielder.html

[WhiteJC]

Sander Berge set for £25m move to Fulham despite interest from Man United - who are still trying to do a deal with PSG for Manuel Ugarte

    Sander Berge is set to join Fulham, despite previous interest from Man United
    The Red Devils are now focussed on trying to sign Manuel Ugarte from PSG

Monday night saw Fulham move for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge in a £25million deal.

The Norway international was an option for Manchester United but they are trying to sign Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain on loan.

Berge plans to travel to London with his agent Morten Wivestad on Tuesday for a medical once given the all-clear.

Fulham have offered £20m with a further £5m in add-ons for the 26-year-old.

They had revised talks with Manchester United over a deal for Scott McTominay but that was proving more expensive.

Berge's move underlines Ugarte as United's priority target for midfield.

United want PSG to drop their asking price and ideally need to sell but are trying once again to strike an initial loan with an obligation to buy.

Berge has played no part in either of Burnley's opening two games of the Championship campaign under new head coach Scott Parker, who replaced Vincent Kompany earlier this summer.

He made 37 appearances last term as Burnley were relegated from the Premier League.

The former Sheffield United star will become Fulham's fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca and Emile Smith Rowe.

Marco Silva has been looking for a defensive midfielder since Joao Palhinha's sale to Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, Burnley - who have moved to sign Chelsea defender Bashir Humphreys on loan - are anticipating an offer from Ipswich Town for defender Dara O'Shea.

O'Shea is also wanted by Wolves and Brentford.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13759445/Sander-Berge-set-25m-Fulham-despite-Man-United-trying-deal-PSG-Manuel-Ugarte.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make bid worth £25m for Burnley midfielder Berge
Fulham have made a bid for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge worth £20m plus £5m in add-ons.

The Norway international would be Fulham's fourth signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon.

Fulham are looking to increase their midfield options after Joao Palhinha signed for Bayern Munich in July.
The Cottagers have also tried to bring in Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen with their last bid - £25m plus £5m in add-ons - falling short of Palace's valuation.

Berge, reportedly a target for Manchester United, has not featured in Burnley's first two games of the Championship season, with boss Scott Parker citing an injury as the reason.

The 26-year-old played 37 games last season as the Clarets were relegated from the Premier League.
He scored his only Premier League goal of the campaign in Burnley's 2-0 win at Craven Cottage in December.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9qgx1ve53wo

[Nero]

There's plenty to be optimistic about despite Fulham's losing start



Tosin's departure stings given he's now at Chelsea. Fulham had been negotiating with him for a while and the feelings were that he was the perfect partner to Calvin Bassey. However, Fulham stalled on salary and Chelsea offered more. While it will frustrate Fulham that they weren't able to convince Tosin to stay, we can be encouraged by Tosin's unconvincing pre-season. Chelsea fans quickly saw that he is capable of making a mistake per game. He was a fantastic player for Fulham, and if he now spends the rest of season with limited game time that would be a real shame.

The expectations at Chelsea could either make Tosin's career or break it. He has already been advised (with encouragement from the Chelsea staff) to switch his nationality to Nigeria, there's an argument that the reason for that advice is because they (Chelsea) don't think he is good enough to play for England. Tosin would have been surrounded by positivity and encouragement at Fulham, where the bar for performance is little lower. However, with the money that this Chelsea board have spent, he'll have to be near-perfect to get a look in. Which isn't a challenge he's had to face before, as he is now fighting to be first pick.

Prehaps its the cynic in me that reads this as after see tosin they realised a mistake has been made and as an international they can get more for selling him next year as why would you want a player to be away for the AFCONs and demand higher wages as an international but then again it is Chelsea.