Sander Berge's four-year transfer disaster is perfect reason for Man United to confirm £51m deal

It's fair to say that Manchester United's search for a new No.6 hasn't exactly gone to plan. Following the early decision not to make Sofyan Amrabat's loan permanent, United's attempt at signing a new midfielder before the start of the 2024/25 season is hanging by a thread.

For some time, Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte was the leading candidate to move to Old Trafford. With personal terms not thought to be a problem, the Ligue 1 club's asking price of £51million (€60m) has proved to be a stumbling block with reports claiming that the club have withdrawn their interest for now.

Alternatives are now being looked at and over the last 24 hours, a list of new names have emerged. Amid talk of the highly-rated Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi and AS Monaco's Youssouf Fofana, a surprise link for Burnley's Sander Berge has left some bamboozled.

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Berge, 26, has spent the last three-and-a-half seasons in England at Sheffield United and Burnley. The Blades paid £22m for Berge's services in January 2020 after his impressive performances in Belgium before he moved to Turf Moor for just £12m last August.

He recorded a third relegation from the Premier League with Burnley last term, prompting many to already throw shade over his possible arrival at Old Trafford. If reports are to be believed, United face paying up to £30m for Berge this summer.

In today's market, which sees clubs forced to pay a premium for players despite concerns over Financial Fair Play rules, it's not quite clear why United would even entertain