Former Everton left-back Michael Ball is convinced the Toffees want to recruit Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge this summer, speaking to The Transfer Tavern.

23-year-old Berge's future at Bramall Lane has been in doubt since the Blades' confirmed relegation back to the Championship at the end of last season, with the midfielder generating considerable interest from the English and Italian top divisions in recent months.

Everton, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Napoli, Atalanta and Lazio were all said to be monitoring the Norwegian's situation in South Yorkshire, with his release clause being reduced by £10m to £35m after his side's demotion from the Premier League.

Berge still has three years left on his current deal, after signing a long-term contract with Sheffield United back in January 2020 on his arrival from Genk. With this, Slavisa Jokanovic's side are currently holding out for the full £35m fee from interested sides, a valuation sides haven't been willing to match up until this point.

Arsenal were said to have recently reignited their interest in bringing the 23-year-old to the Emirates Stadium in a potential double deal with Aaron Ramsdale, much to the contrast of Everton whose interest has seemingly faded away after initially being linked with the Norwegian.

However, former Toffee Michael Ball believes he's still on the club's radar despite the appointment of Rafa Benitez and in an interview with The Transfer Tavern, he said: "I think it’s (Berge) one Everton would like to bring in, but it’s always going to be a sort of sitting and wait to see who actually moves on going forward and whether they’ve got the cash to actually make that deal happen."

The Verdict:

With the number of sides who have taken an interest in the Norwegian this summer, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sheffield United continue to wait for clubs to activate the £35m release clause.

And considering he still has three years left on his current deal, the South Yorkshire outfit will be in no rush to sell Berge which can only be bad news for Everton if they still want to acquire his services before the end of the window.

Because of this, it would be hard to see Benitez forking out the eight-figure fee needed to bring him to Goodison Park this summer - and Arsenal look to be in pole position as they explore the possibility of a double deal.

He could be a good addition on Merseyside alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure though, providing them with the physical presence in the middle of the park needed to push them on to better things.