The popular defender is the Whites’ longest-serving player among the current squad with 155 appearances to his name since arriving from Sampdoria in 2014.
Having played such an instrumental part in ending Leeds’ 16-year Premier League absence, the 32-year was dealt such a cruel blow when he picked up an ACL injury in the same game where Marcelo Bielsa’s side clinched the Championship title.
Berardi has been out of action since July 2020, however his return to training could well see him return to the starting XI before the season is over.
The Switzerland player, in a sense, is effectively fighting for a new deal with his contract expiring in the summer and former Whites defender Danny Mills is tipping him to get one – if he can prove his fitness over the coming months.
He told Football Insider: “I think they’ll take a look at it and see how fit he gets between now and the end of the season.
"They’ll see if he’s up to the rigours of the Premier League, and if he is, with the injuries they’ve had this season, especially to their new additions at centre-half, they may well offer him another short-term deal.
“It all depends on his fitness but it looks like he’s been working hard. If he gets himself right, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t offer him a new deal.
“As we’ve seen with Covid and everything that comes with it, sometimes it’s best to keep hold of what you’ve got rather than trying to get people in from elsewhere.”
Meanwhile, Leeds have learned the asking price for one of their reported summer targets, Tommaso Pobega.
It was reported by Tuttosport last week that the Whites had been alerted to the AC Milan midfielder, who is currently impressing on loan at Spezia.
They view the 21-year-old as a potential back-up to Kalvin Phillips, which on current evidence is certainly needed, though Leicester City are also linked.
Now, Calciomercato claim clubs interested in Pobega will have to pay over £8million for the Italian, who has been dubbed the ‘new Nemanja Matic.’
Here’s a round-up of the latest gossip doing the rounds across the Premier League:
1. Saints determined to sign Fulgini
Southampton are determined to reignite their interest in Angers midfielder Angelo Fulgini this summer after failing to sign the Frenchman in January. (Le10Sport) Photo: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER
2. Cooper considered by Palace
Swansea City boss Steve Cooper is one of the names being considered by Crystal Palace to replace Roy Hodgson. Sean Dyche has also been linked but he is likely to get a new contract at Burnley. (The Sun) Photo: Michael Steele
3. Hoppe in-demand
Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring Schalke striker Matthew Hoppe. The 19-year-old has netted five goals in 11 appearances following his break into the first-team. (90min) Photo: INA FASSBENDER
4. Duo 'studying' Konsa
Tottenham and Liverpool are studying Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The 23-year-old’s form has put him under consideration for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. (The Athletic) Photo: JULIAN FINNEY
5. Berge eyes bigger move
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says Sander Berge wants to play Champions League football, and believes the Norwegian has used the Blades as a “stepping stone”. (TV2 via Sport Witness) Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Rondon returns to Europe
Former Newcastle United striker Salomon Rondon has joined CSKA Moscow on loan after “tentative” Premier League interest from Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion failed to materialise in January. (Daily Mail) Photo: Pool