Newcastle United have reportedly made a loan-with-obligation offer to Sheffield United to try and sign central midfielder Sander Berge.

The Lowdown: Shelvey replacement wanted

Newcastle are looking for a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey, who is set to sign for Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

They have been linked with making an offer for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, but have reportedly already made an offer for another midfielder on their list.

The Latest: Berge offer made by Newcastle

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports' northeast reporter Keith Downie says that Newcastle are 'offering a loan-with-obligation' to Sheffield United for Berge, but Fulham are 'in talks' over a permanent deal worth £20m.

He tweeted: "Newcastle have joined Fulham in the pursuit of Sander Berge, as per @CraigHope_DM. Newcastle offering a loan-with-obligation for the Sheff United midfielder, while Fulham are in talks over a £20m permanent transfer. #SUFC need to sell the Norway international."

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The Verdict: Get it done!

Given that Berge could work out much cheaper than the £45m-rated Gallagher, this would be a very smart alternative deal for Newcastle to pursue.

Hailed as a 'physical beast' by football writer Sebastien Pedersen, and a 'Rolls-Royce' by his team-mate Chris Basham, the 6 foot 5 colossus is very highly-rated despite playing in a lower division in the Championship, and he ranks in the top 22% of all midfielders in Europe outside of the top five leagues for a number of key metrics.

The Blades already seem to have a replacement lined up for Berge in Nottingham Forest's Lewis O'Brien, so this could be an easier move to make for Eddie Howe's side, with the clock ticking until the transfer deadline.