Newcastle United have a 'genuine interest' in Sheffield United star Sander Berge and are hoping to strike a loan deal at St James' Park, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Magpies have already completed the £3million signing of Harrison Ashby from West Ham United on deadline day, but head coach Eddie Howe could still welcome further reinforcements to Tyneside ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Newcastle transfer news - Sander Berge
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are mulling over whether to launch a loan bid, which includes an option to buy, for Berge ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.
But the report suggests Sheffield United want a cash deal or, at the very least, an obligation to make the move permanent due to the Championship side currently being under an EFL transfer embargo.
Respected journalist Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Berge may be 'gettable' and Newcastle could look to reach an agreement ahead of the fast-approaching deadline.
Although Fulham opened talks over a move worth £20million plus add-ons, it appears the Norwegian will not be heading to Craven Cottage as Sasa Lukic is nearing an £8million switch from Torino.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has revealed Sheffield United have not been contacted by Newcastle or Fulham over Berge in the last 24 hours.
What has Dean Jones said about Berge?
Jones understands that Newcastle are admirers of Berge, but they are currently unwilling to meet Sheffield United's demands.
The transfer insider believes the Blades are only interested in negotiating a permanent switch for the 24-year-old, but the Tyneside giants are keen to seal a loan move.
Jones told GiveMeSport: "They're linked with Sander Berge and there is genuine interest there.
"But they want that to be a loan with money to come later on. The problem is if Sheffield United are going to let Sander Berge go right now, they want cash."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Why is Berge on Newcastle's list of targets?
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Jonjo Shelvey is on the verge of joining Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest after undergoing a medical.
The 30-year-old has entered the final six months of his £70,000-per-week contract, meaning today is Newcastle's final opportunity to cash-in unless they are able to negotiate fresh terms further down the line.
But Shelvey's imminent departure will leave Howe short of central midfield options and Berge, who has been on Sheffield United's books since completing a £22million transfer three years ago, could be the perfect replacement.
Sofascore statistics show the former Genk man has averaged 1.2 tackles and 1.4 shots per Championship outing this season, meaning he would offer Newcastle's backline extra protection while also being a threat in the final third of the pitch.
Berge has racked up 33 goal contributions over the course of his senior club career and he would be a shrewd addition to the Magpies' squad.
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