Liverpool have reportedly set a £20m asking price for defender Sepp van den Berg, who is attracting interest from Southampton and Brentford.
Liverpool have reportedly placed a £20m valuation on Brentford and Southampton target Sepp van den Berg.
The 22-year-old rose through the rank of Dutch club PEC Zwolle, before completing a move to Liverpool in the summer of 2019.
Five years on, Van den Berg has made just four first-team appearances for the Reds, having spent time out on loan at Preston North End, Schalke 04 and Mainz 05.
The centre-back recently enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Mainz, featuring in 33 of the club’s 34 Bundesliga matches during the 2023-24 campaign.
After helping the German side secure safety, Van den Berg will return to Liverpool ahead of Arne Slot‘s first season as manager.
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Liverpool set Van den Berg asking price
However, a final decision is yet to be made on whether Liverpool will sell Van den Berg or integrate him into the first-team squad.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool will hold out for a £20m fee if they decide to part ways with Van den Berg ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The report claims that Brentford and newly-promoted Southampton are among the clubs showing an interest in the central defender.
The Bees are seemingly keen to bolster their backline after shipping 65 Premier League goals in 2023-24 – a significant increase from the 46 goals they conceded in 2022-23.
Meanwhile, Southampton are already drawing up transfer plans following their 1-0 victory against Leeds United in Sunday’s Championship playoff final.
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Van den Berg could remain at Anfield
As well as attracting Premier League interest, Van den Berg is also believed to be a potential target for Wolfsburg and Ajax.
Mainz are also keen to bring Van den Berg back to the Mewa Arena, but they may find it difficult to meet Liverpool’s financial demands.
While a summer exit is possible, Liverpool could still decide to keep the Dutchman if he impresses Slot during pre-season.
The Reds will have a vacancy in their backline when experienced defender Joel Matip departs upon the expiry of his contract.