Sander Berge in action for Genk. (Getty Images)
According to the Bleacher Report (h/t The Express), West Ham are at the front of the queue to sign Genk star Sander Berge, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.
Sander Berge, 21, had a brief spell with the Hammers four years ago as a teenager yet to make his mark in the game. He has impressed in the Champions League this season, particularly in the games against Liverpool, who beat Genk both times in Europe.
Napoli are interested but the player favours a move to West Ham, with club officials believing they will be able to sign him for less than £20m, the report adds. (h/t The Express)
West Ham, meanwhile, are just four points above the relegation zone after winning just two times in their last 11 matches.
The Hammers were in the top four in September, but have slumped and have relegation worries now. As such, the club must now look to make additions in January to climb up the table in the second half of the campaign.
One of the important areas that needs strengthening is the midfield, as none of the central midfielders barring Declan Rice has performed well. Mark Noble is ageing, whereas Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez have failed to prove themselves since arriving at the club.
Fresh blood in the middle of the park is the need of the hour, and someone like Sander Berge would be a wise investment. The 21-year-old has impressed in the midfield for Genk and Norway over the last two years, becoming a regular starter for club and country.
In the Champions League this season, the midfielder has averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 0.3 clearances per game, whilst his passing accuracy is up at an impressive 84.4%. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com]
Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, the 21-year-old is a midfield giant. Operating in that holding role, the Norwegian has proven himself to be defensively strong, aerially efficient and crisp with his distribution skills.
The youngster has a brilliant ability to drive forward from deep in the midfield and run through the heart of the opposition. In the video below, one could get a glimpse of Berge’s style of play and the qualities he could bring to West Ham if a deal goes through.
An exciting prospect, Berge could potentially form a solid partnership with Rice at the heart of a one-paced West Ham midfield. If the Hammers manage to sign the Norwegian for less than £20m, it would be a massive coup.
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