Sander Berge state of play, release clause and Sheffield United future addressed

Stephen Bettis' comments this week that Paul Heckingbottom is under no pressure to sell should allay supporters' fears the club may have to part with some of their star players on the cheap. Fears a second season in the Championship could force their hand at the negotiating table should an offer materialise were quashed when the CEO revealed 'we are saying we want to go again for next season'.

One player expected to be the subject of much transfer speculation, similar to last season when he was linked with Arsenal and Napoli, is Sander Berge. The Norwegian international enjoyed a strong finish to the campaign after flourishing in a more adventurous role under Heckingbottom.

Yorkshire Live understands Sheffield United are yet to receive any enquiries for the 24-year-old, but several clubs have been taking a watching brief following his return to form after recovering from a hamstring injury.

A £35m release clause that became active following relegation to the Championship remains in place, but having paid £22m for him in January 2020, United will do well to resist the temptation to accept a similar offer that could not only help bolster Heckingbottom's transfer kitty but could also help ease the pressure on any future cash flow problems.

Players in this price bracket don't tend to move too early in the window, so the lack of interest at this stage is perhaps no surprise as clubs weigh up their options. Heckingbottom will be shaping his pre-season plans around the midfielder and with the season kicking off earlier due to the World Cup he will be hoping any interest comes sooner rather than later.

Berge is highly regarded within the club and they have never had any issues regarding transfer demands. Having joined from a