Wilder hails ‘brilliant’ record signing of £22m Berge

Sheffield United have broken their transfer record for the fifth time since promotion to the Premier League by signing Sander Berge for £22 million.

Berge, 21, has arrived from Belgian club Genk on a 4½-year deal. Sheffield United officials had thought the move would not be possible in this window, so they moved swiftly when the Norway international became available.

The midfielder was in Sheffield yesterday to complete the formalities of the move.

Manager Chris Wilder is also in talks to sign Dutch striker Richairo Zivkovic from Chinese club Changchun Yatai, with personal terms and medical already completed.

He is looking to complete a six-month loan for centre-back Panagiotis Retsos from Bayer Leverkusen, with Kean Bryan moving to Bolton Wanderers on loan.

Wilder has been relying on John Lundstram, John Fleck and Oliver

Norwood in his three-man midfield but Berge will compete for a place in his high-flying team.

“The board have really backed us in this window to bring in players of the quality of Sander,” Wilder said.

“He fits the bill in so many ways. He’s a Norwegian international who has played 20 times for his country, he’s also played Champions League football, and we’re delighted he has decided to come to Bramall Lane.

“Sander is someone we have known about for quite a while now.

We have tracked him over a sustained period of time. He was a player we highlighted as someone who could come in and really improve us and we are thrilled he’s agreed to come here.

“When we sat down with Sander, it was clear that he was really excited about coming here and that was great to see.

“I think this signing just shows how far we have come in a short space of time, that we are now attracting the likes of Sander to the club. It’s a brilliant signing for us.”