Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge is being tracked by Aston Villa, according to reports in England. The Norwegian international has been injured since December but the 23-year-old was very impressive prior to being sidelined.

His form has led to teams, like the Villans, taking a keen interest in the player, and it is likely that the Blades won’t stand in his way if he decides to leave. Manager Chris Wilder has recently commented on his stance regarding Berge:

“I think this [Sheffield United] has always been a springboard for Sander. “He wants to play at the highest level, he wants to play Champions League regularly and he wants to play for a top team.”

“I know Sander won’t be here until he’s 32, but we enjoy working with him and hopefully he has a few games left as a Sheffield United player. I understand, if he goes and if it happens, then it happens with our blessing.”

It is not a surprising statement from Wilder, considering Berge’s undoubted ability. United invested £22m in the Norwegian last year, knowing full well that he may use the club as a stepping stone, and the likely relegation to the Championship is expected to hasten his departure from Bramall Lane.

Whether Berge should be aiming his sights higher than Villa, that is another debate entirely. He was, for example, linked with Liverpool before making the switch to Yorkshire.