Sheffield United interim manager Paul Heckingbottom has responded to the rumours of an Arsenal bid for their midfielder Sander Berge.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: A poppy is seen on the shirt of Sander Berge of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on October 31, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: A poppy is seen on the shirt of Sander Berge of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on October 31, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

On Monday, reports from France emerged that Arsenal had made an offer of slightly below €20m for Sheffield United man Sander Berge.

Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness) claimed the Gunners had submitted their first bid, but it fell short of Sheffield United’s demands, with the relegated Premier League club hoping for €30m.

But according to interim manager Paul Heckingbottom, no such offer was made.

“No, no offers. We know how things work,” Heckingbottom said. “If there is anything happening for our players it’s bubbling away behind the scenes until windows open and things can possibly happen, but it is all paper talk.

“Most of the questions you get asked about possible targets never ever comes to fruition. Ninety-odd percent of it will never surface. At the minute it is all just rumour and speculation. We’ve had no bids for our players.”

Berge is still likely to be among Arsenal’s list of potential targets this summer.

The likes of Sky Sports and Football.London have already linked the Gunners with a move, and he has a release clause specifically for Sheffield United getting relegated. Although the exact figure for that clause varies between reports, from £25m to £35m.

Arsenal reportedly have a couple of advantages in the race, with Berge keen on the prospect of a move to North London and Mikel Arteta’s assistant Albert Stuivenberg already knowing him well. But it seems they haven’t placed an offer just yet.

The Norwegian international was out of action from December to May, after suffering a serious hamstring injury. He’s since made two appearances following his return to fitness.