Liverpool could receive £20m windfall as Leverkusen consider van den Berg deal

Another club has entered the race for Sepp van den Berg as interest in the Liverpool defender continues to rise ahead of transfer deadline day.

The Dutchman is back at Anfield following an impressive loan spell with Mainz last season and featured under new head coach Arne Slot in pre-season friendlies against Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United.

However, since Virgil van Dijk Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate have returned to the fold following an extended holiday, van den Berg's game time has decreased and having not played a single minute of the final two pre-season fixtures, it would appear the writing is on the wall with regard to his future.

As regular first-team football this season is more likely away from Liverpool, the 22-year-old could get his wish as he is reportedly being considered by Bayer Leverkusen as a potential replacement for Jonathan Tah should he join Bayern Munich.

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According to German news outlet Kicker, the reigning Bundesliga champions had targeted Joel Matip, who is a free agent after leaving the Reds at the end of June, but are now seeking a different profile of defender now that Odilon Kossounou has now become the number one candidate for sale.

In addition, the report states that Leverkusen were impressed with van den Berg's performances for Mainz last season and view him as someone who can lead the defence.

Sepp van den Berg in demand

However, it should be noted that Mainz are keen for van den Berg to return to them and their transfer chief  Christian Heidel admits they're relying on the player to push through a move.

"We are a bit dependent on FC Liverpool," he said, per Florian Plettenberg. "I know that he would very much like to return to Mainz. Perhaps the player's voice will play a role in Liverpool's decision.

"Of course, it is Liverpool’s legitimate right to put a price tag on the player. But then there has to be a club willing to pay that price, and the player has to want to go there.

"As of today, that’s not the case, which is why we still have a chance. If Liverpool loans him out for another year, then we are the perfect club. Sepp would confirm that as well. We are waiting a bit longer and preparing ourselves in case it doesn’t work out."

All summer Liverpool's asking price for van den Berg has been £20m , a figure deemed too expensive for Mainz and also PSV Eindhoven who are struggling to find the funds. But perhaps Leverkusen will be in a position to meet those demands if they manage to move Tah and Kossounou on.