Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg is subject of ‘serious interest’ from English clubs and Bundesliga sides, according to reliable Liverpool journalist James Pearce.
The 20-year-old Dutchman has spent the last 18 months with Preston North End in the Championship, after joining as part of the deal that brought Ben Davies to Anfield.
He made 50 appearances for North End last season, and was utilised in multiple positions - including right-back and right wing-back alongside his preferred berth in central defence.
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With competition intense at Anfield for places in the backline (Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are all ahead of him), it was commonly thought that Van Den Berg would again be loaned this season, either to a higher-level Championship club or a Premier League outfit - and was strongly linked to a move to AFC Bournemouth earlier this window.
He is contracted to Liverpool until 2024, and a loan move would likely be partnered with a contract extension or a new deal.
He arrived at Anfield after making a breakthrough aged just 16 for PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie, and has matured since his original campaign which saw him attract critics for his performances in cup competitions.
Taking to Twitter on Monday, The Athletic‘s Pearce claims that there is lots of interest in Van den Berg ahead of a potential loan move, particularly from Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
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The aforementioned Konate is currently sidelined by injury, but the other three are top centre-backs and the Reds have Nat Phillips as cover.
Burnley would certainly be an interesting move for any young centre-back to play under one of the best of their generation in Kompany - with the Clarets playing a new brand of exciting football under the Belgian in the second tier.
Germany also provides Van Den Berg a top option, with the league known for its aid in developing young players - and, being frank, it is the Premier League’s favourite shop window - so if Liverpool wanted to sell, the Bundesliga may be their best option,
Topics: Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Jurgen Klopp
Chris Stonadge