Newcastle United are in a fight with Fulham to sign Sander Berge and must wait to see the outcome of talks with the player's agent and cash-strapped Sheffield United.
The 6ft 5in midfielder could be sold to raise funds for the Blades with the club currently enduring a transfer embargo. Newcastle want a loan deal for Berge with a big fee on offer at the end of the season but the Cottagers are prepared to pay money now, albeit a lesser fee.
Berge has been identified as a star that could help Newcastle after the departure of Jonjo Shelvey. Shelvey has landed a lucrative deal at Nottingham Forest and a two and a half year contract.
READ MORE: Newcastle United notebook: Hectic deadline day amid unexpected cash windfall after sell-on clause
Sheff United manager Paul Heckingbottom was asked about Berge on Sunday after the thrilling 3-3 FA Cup draw with Wrexham. The former Sunderland man said: "Sander is happy here, but the situation we find ourselves in — mid-takeover with a transfer embargo, no clarity which way it’s going and financial issues — one way to potentially resolve some issues is selling a player."
Other suggestions for Newcastle are Conor Gallagher of Chelsea but the Blues have yet to sanction any possible loans. And Scott McTominay has been constantly linked with Newcastle this window, although Howe played down the possibility of a move for the Scotland ace earlier this month.
With activity still fluid things can change in the final 24 hours of the window. Howe said today: "With other transfers, we will try and see what we can do. In terms of permanent signings that will be very difficult, we will look at a loan situation but it has to be the right player."
READ NEXT
- Wembley hotels inundated, Howe's Sir Bobby Robson moment and Pope record
- Adam Armstrong gives Southampton verdict after Newcastle left Saints rattled
Win a £500 Voucher in our Star of Qatar World Cup January transfer window competition
- Eddie Howe's Newcastle United semi-final warning after 'delicate' first leg
- Bruno Guimaraes sends dressing room message as Newcastle United eye Wembley
- Newcastle United revamp their scouting network as Dan Ashworth masterplan takes shape
