Newcastle are exploring a deal for Blades midfielder Sander Berge

Newcastle are exploring a deal for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as they look to replace Nottingham Forest-bound Jonjo Shelvey, with the Norwegian missing Sunday’s draw at Wrexham after Fulham opened talks to sign him

• Newcastle are hoping to bring in Sheffield United’s Sander Borge
• It comes as Jonjo Shelvey approaches a move to  Nottingham Forest
• Berge did not play in United’s clash with Wrexham on Sunday 

Newcastle are exploring a deal for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, but would prefer to make a loan signing before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Sportsmail can reveal that the Norwegian is on the shortlist of targets Eddie Howe and the club are considering as replacement for Jonjo Shelvey, who is likely to join Nottingham Forest.

Berge, 24, was left out of Sheffield’s squad for the 3-3 draw with Wrexham in the FA Cup on Sunday. That came amid interest from Fulham, who have opened talks with the Championship club.

Newcastle are hoping to bring in Sheffield United’s Sander Borge on a loan deal

It comes as Magpies midfielder Jonjo Shelvey looks set for a move to Nottingham Forest

However, we understand Newcastle would prefer a loan arrival and, whether that is possible for Berge given the Blades are under a transfer embargo, remains to be seen. The 32-times-capped international is not the only option for the Magpies, but he has admirers within St James’ Park and has been watched this season.

While Howe is determined to bring in another midfielder should Shelvey go, sources have warned that FFP and the availability of players they like remain an obstacle.

Berge was Sheffield’s record signing when arriving for £22m from Genk in 2020. He has scored 12 times from 82 appearances but now appears to be on his way out of Bramall Lane.

Paul Heckingbottom said the Blades has been ‘asked not to sue’ Berge against Wrexham

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom explained his absence on Sunday, when he said: ‘He’s not here because we have been asked not to use him. Our club is speaking to other clubs regarding him.

‘It’s a club decision to protect that asset. I am not going to say I agree with it but I understand it he wanted to play today.

‘It doesn’t mean he is going anywhere, Sander is happy here. But the situation we find ourselves in mid-takeover, transfer embargo and no clarity on which way it is going and financial issues.

‘One way to resolve the issues is to sell a player. Everyone knows my thoughts on it. We are ready if the worst happened and we lost Sander. We have worked hard to put this squad together in terms of the balance and how competitive we made it.

‘The simple thing for me is to keep it together but we find ourselves in difficult times financially and it means there may be some tough decisions that have to be made. I have to be prepared for what happens.’

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