Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic has been told to expect Sander Berge's departure this summer amid reported interest from Aston Villa, Arsenal, Everton, and Napoli, according to the Sheffield Star. 

The Blades were relegated from the Premier League last season, which may mean they're forced to part ways with some of their key players in the current window.

Berge, who has impressed since arriving from Genk in January 2020, has been linked with a move to Arsenal, while Everton, Villa, and Napoli are understood to have recently joined the race.

It is understood that the Blades want a fee in the region of £35 million for the Norweigan midfielder and are keen to agree a front-loaded deal but it seems there is an acceptance at the Yorkshire club that the 23-year-old's days are numbered.

The Sheffield Star has reported that Jokanovic, who was appointed as the new United boss last month and will take charge on the 1st of July, has been told to expect Berge's departure this summer and is now searching for a new midfielder.

The midfielder missed a large chunk of last season due to injury but has made 32 appearances since joining midway through the 2019/20 campaign.

The Verdict 

This is not a huge surprise as Berge is surely too good for the Championship but it does seem to confirm United's stance on his potential exit.

The incoming boss is being told to expect his departure and appears to already be planning for life without him, which is certainly a boost for Arsenal, Villa, and the other clubs in pursuit.

Berge is certainly an impressive midfielder and at 23, someone who should just keep getting better and better as he gets more experience under his belt.

Whether that means that the Blades get the £35 million deal for him they're searching for remains to be seen.