Aston Villa should consider signing this Sheffield United star if Matteo Guendouzi bid fails

In terms of recent form, Aston Villa sit in a very healthy fifth place in the Premier League table, as results have dramatically improved since Unai Emery joined the club. However, their actual league position still leaves them mid-table and the Spaniard’s efforts in the Midlands can only take them so far.

The Villans have massively benefited from the quality of Boubacar Kamara this season after the Frenchman arrived from Marseille in the summer. Despite a ligament strain that kept him sidelined for two months, the midfielder made a huge impact upon his return and has become a key player under Emery.

While Douglas Luiz has also proved to be a pivotal partner to Kamara whose performances have attracted interest from Arsenal, the likes of Morgan Sanson and Leander Dendoncker haven’t quite reached their level. If Aston Villa want to challenge for a top six spot in the second half of the season then adding squad depth and bringing in another player to run the middle of the park.

Reports claim that Emery is desperate to reunite with Matteo Guendouzi after signing him for Arsenal in 2018. The 23-year-old has looked much better since joining Marseille, but it is believed that they will demand around £44m to lure him back to England this month.

So, after spending around £26m on Jhon Duran and Alex Moreno during the January transfer window, Aston Villa want to avoid splashing the cash in the days leading up to deadline day and could instead turn to a cheaper option from the Championship - that option is Sander Berge.

The Sheffield United midfielder has pretty much everything on his side - experience, age, height, goals and assists. Berge joined the Blades as their club record signing during their first season back in the top flight and went onto make 29 league appearances as they were relegated to the Championship.

It didn’t take long for Berge to attract interest from elsewhere, but he remained at Bramall Lane and has become one of the second tier’s best players and has also added goal contributions to his game - netting 10 goals and assisting another seven over the past two seasons. The Norwegian’s 6 ft 4 stature also gives him a physical advantage and allows him to dominate a midfield - an aspect that would be very useful for Villa.

The 24-year-old still has years to reach his potential and would likely be a very important player in the Premier League next season if the Blades are to win promotion, however it looks increasingly likely that he could leave the club. Berge’s contract is set to expire in 2024 and could be available on the cheap at the end of the season.

With reports claiming United were demanding around £25m for his signature last summer, Villa could definitely do worse than considering making him an offer this month to avoid competing with the top clubs searching for a bargain when he reaches the final 12 months of his deal.

Berge could cost less than half of what they would be forking out for Guendouzi and could arguably provide improvement to an area that they have struggled with so far. With the likes of Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey among the stars who could help rebuild a the club, Berge is certainly another one for the present and the future at Villa Park.