Marcus Bent has backed Everton to heap more misery on relegated Sheffield United by tempting their club record signing away from Bramall Lane.

The Blades will be back in the Championship next season after a two-year stay in the Premier League.

England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is among those who have been linked with securing a quickfire return to the top flight, while John Lundstram turned down the offer of a new deal in favour of UEFA Champions League football with Scottish Premiership title winners Rangers.

But ex-Everton striker Bent, who also spent time with Sheffield United during his playing career, feels new Toffees boss Rafa Benitez should be working on a deal to bring 6 ft 5 Sander Berge to Goodison Park.

The Norwegian international midfielder joined the Blades in a big-money deal in January 2020 and has gone on to make 29 Premier League appearances.

Arsenal, along with Italian sides Napoli and Atalanta, are also thought to be interested in the 23-year-old but Bent has urged Everton to win the race for his signature.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Bent said: "I watched Sheffield United against Liverpool two seasons ago and they were absolutely brilliant. They played great football.

"I was a little bit distraught and upset that they went down and the season was so disappointing. A lot of the players, fans and people I have spoken to have said the same thing.

"Berge is their record signing and selling him would be a kick in the gut but they have been relegated.

"Everton would take that sort of player because he is hardworking, fast and got good knowledge of the game. It would be a good signing for Everton but a loss for Sheffield United."