As reported by Florian Plettenberg, Mainz are hoping to secure another season-long loan deal for Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg.
It had previously been reported that the Carnival club were looking to keep the Dutch defender at the MEWA Arena for another campaign.
But they were facing competition from the likes of Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg, and Stuttgart, who had all also stated their intent on luring van den Berg away from Anfield.
Nevertheless, as it stands, Mainz are currently in pole position to sign the 22-year-old. However, the Premier League outfit are making it significantly difficult for a deal to be made.
It is understood that Liverpool would only consider permanently offloading van den Berg this summer, and they are demanding €20 million. This is a fee that the 05ers have refused to offer, and Mainz boss Christian Heidel, therefore, has put pressure on the Reds to negotiate a deal with the club.
“We would like him to stay, and Sepp would also really like to do it. But we also respect that Liverpool have not decided about it yet. We will not buy a player for over £20 million, which is what Liverpool want. Our club cannot do that.”
It is believed that the Dutchman is in Arne Slots plans this season, having featured for the Reds during their pre-season tour of the USA, which is why Liverpool are not looking to loan out the defender once again.
GGFN | Will Shopland
