Everton will make a late move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge if they manage to offload fringe players before the transfer window shuts, according to Michael Ball.

Berge is facing the prospect of competing in the Championship after suffering relegation with the Blades last season.

The Norway international was left helpless in Sheffield United's plight as he was restricted to just 16 appearances after undergoing surgery shortly before Christmas.

Berge, who became the Blades' club-record signing when he joined from Belgian club Genk in a deal reportedly worth close to £22million, has been the subject of plenty of interest this summer.

Everton and Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Berge since Sheffield United's relegation was confirmed, with the 23-year-old having a £35million release clause after suffering the drop - higher than his £16.2m valuation on Transfermarkt.

The Toffees, under new boss Rafa Benitez, have been eager to get some out-of-favour players off the wage bill and former Everton left-ball Ball feels the Merseyside club may look to sign Berge shortly before the window slams shut at the end of the month.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: "It could be on the back-burner. Everton will want to see how Jean-Philippe Gbamin gets on with his fitness levels and it also depends on the futures of Allan and Andre Gomes, along with Tom Davies possibly.

"I think Everton have probably reached out to all the targets they would like to bring in and found out the financial packages from Sheffield United and the player.

"It's a case of whether they can press the button at the right time."