Leeds: £35m target is ‘more mobile’ than Phillips at Elland Road

Leeds United transfer target Sander Berge could be the ideal replacement for outgoing Elland Road favourite Kalvin Phillips because the Sheffield United man is ‘more mobile’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Whites head coach Jesse Marsch has wasted no time in strengthening the squad he inherited upon his appointment in February, with Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca heading to Yorkshire, but Berge could prove to be another summer addition.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Berge has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Leeds academy graduate Phillips.

However, the Whites may be forced to spend big in order to strike a deal as it is understood that a £35million release clause was written into the Norwegian’s contract following Sheffield United’s relegation to the Championship.

Meeting that figure would result in Berge comfortably becoming the most expensive acquisition in Leeds’ entire history.

But the Yorkshire giants might not be forced to splash quite so much cash as the 24-year-old is valued at £25million by his current employers.

Berge, a 30-cap Norway international, has made 66 appearances since joining Sheffield United for a club-record fee of £22million from Genk in January 2020.

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O’Rourke believes Leeds could be taking a risk if they opt to test Sheffield United’s resolve and look to welcome Berge to Elland Road due to his injury record.

However, the journalist feels Berge has qualities current defensive midfielder Phillips does not possess and, as a result, could give the Whites a different dimension in the heart of the midfield.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It would be an