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.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.