Both players started the Blades’ resounding 4-0 friendly win over Doncaster last night despite uncertainty over their long-term futures
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Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic says Sander Berge and Aaron Ramsdale are not unhappy or seeking moves away from the club.
The pair have both been constantly linked with big-money moves away from Bramall Lane this summer.
In the wake of United’s relegation from the Premier League it was expected that they would have to cut their cloth. Norwegian midfielder Berge arrived as a £22million signing in January 2020 with goalkeeper Ramsdale costing £18.5m seven months later.
There has been talk of United potentially doubling their money by cashing in on the pair this summer. Arsenal have been linked with both players, whilst Berge also counts Liverpool and Napoli among his admirers.
Sander Berge joined United in early 2020 for what was then a club record £22m
But Jokanovic, preparing for his first campaign with the club, insists neither player has agitated for a move away from South Yorkshire.
“Of course I will be hurt if they go, because I do not detect any unhappiness from them,” the Serb said following the thumping 4-0 friendly win over Doncaster – which saw both players play the first 45 minutes.
“I do not feel, having worked and been around them, that they are unhappy to be here or with us.
Slavisa Jokanovic says he doesn’t detect unhappiness from either player
“They are quality players. I am surrounded by quality players here. But everyone knows their qualities.
“I don’t read English newspapers. I prefer to read the ones from my own country. Seriously, of course I am aware of situations and what is being said.
“But for me, I am very happy with their commitment and their attitude. I am happy with the commitment and the attitude of all of the players. It pleases me.”
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing in some competition for Bernd Leno and Arsenal are said to be prepared to battle to sign the 23-year-old Ramsdale.
As for midfield, Matteo Guendouzi, Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard all departed the Emirates this summer and Granit Xhaka is expected to follow suit. That means they will need reinforcements with Berge one of a clutch of players on Arteta’s shortlist.
As for Jokanovic, he has yet to bring in any new signings but said he is hopeful of that changing in the coming days.
United begin their Championship campaign against Birmingham on August 7.
He added: “I believe we are close. I have information from the club side that we are close to making an important step for us and I hope we will see something soon.
“I hope in the next few days we can bring in some fresh blood.”
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