3 Sander Berge alternatives Leeds United could source from the EFL if £25m valuation proves too much

Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge is said to be on the radar of Leeds United this summer. 

Leeds are facing up to the possibility of losing Kalvin Phillips this summer, as Manchester City circle the England international.

A report from Dean Jones at Give Me Sport has outlined that, in the event of Phillips moving on, Leeds may well turn to Berge at Sheffield United as his replacement.

However, it could take up to £25m to lure the 24-year-old out of Bramall Lane, with Sheffield United already proving to be stern negotiators when it comes to the midfielder’s valuation.

There’s every chance that Leeds will take a step back and judge that fee as too much.

In the event of that scenario playing out, we’ve identified THREE cheaper alternatives that are kicking around the EFL:

Lewis O’Brien 

It’s been claimed by The Athletic that Leeds’ interest in O’Brien has cooled, despite the fact that the Huddersfield midfielder has been someone on the club’s radar for a year now.

Football League World understands that O’Brien has a release clause slightly north of the £10m mark, which makes him a much cheaper alternative to Berge.

Of course, the 23-year-old doesn’t have the international profile of someone like Berge, yet he probably fits into Leeds’ system under Jesse Marsch that little bit better as either a double pivot or slightly advanced inside playmaker.

Flynn Downes 

Downes is another player that’s already been identified as a potential Phillips replacement in a report by The Times.

The Swansea City ace is a more defensive option than Berge or O’Brien, but if he’s coming in to replace Phillips, it’s no bad thing given how the England international has been the club’s defensive shield over the last four seasons.

Downes, 23,