Tottenham were offered the chance to sign Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, according to reports in the local media.

It is thought the proposal was made before Jose Mourinho was sacked so it is unclear whether the club remain interested in the Norwegian international.

Up until now, Arsenal have been the main contenders for Berge’s signature but the Blades’ insistence that the Gunners pay £35m for the player’s services has led to talks stalling.

The Yorkshire club believe his current price tag is a fair reflection of his market value. They signed the 23-year-old when he was reaching the final year of his contract with Genk, and it is said that he is now worth substantially more than the £22m they paid eighteen months ago.

There does appear to be a fair amount of brinkmanship going on in negotiations at the moment, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make a bid close to what United are demanding.