Jurgen Klopp’s former side Mainz interested in ‘excellent’ Liverpool player

Bundesliga side Mainz are reportedly interested Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg, with Jurgen Klopp’s former side keen on signing the centre-back.

According to Bild, the German club are keeping tabs on the Dutch youth international as Van den Berg looks primed to stay in Germany for another season having spent last year out on loan at Schalke 04. However, a nasty injury disrupted the defender’s campaign.

With Van den Berg returning to fitness and to form at the end of the season, the Liverpool youngster could benefit greatly from another year out on loan. And one of Klopp’s former sides in Mainz are now interested in signing the 21-year-old.

With Van den Berg impressing in his limited appearances at Schalke, a full year out in the Bundesliga with strong links to Klopp could be a great move for the young defender, who could make a real name for himself after wasting most of last season due to injury.

Indeed, Klopp himself could push for the transfer to happen given his strong links to Mainz and the area. And Van den Berg could be welcome with open arms at the club, who last season finished just four points off a European spot in the Bundesliga.

Lauded by Lancashire Live for his ‘excellent’ loan spell at Preston North End, Van den Berg could have been in with a shot of Liverpool’s first team for next season had the defender stayed fit at Schalke. Yet football is a cruel game, though it’s also one where redemption stories happen every week, and the youngster can do just that at Mainz.

As we know, the German club have a solid foundation and structure and regular push above their weight. And with the presence of Klopp still lingering at Mainz, Van den Berg could flourish in his second loan spell in Germany, where the defender will hopefully stay fit.

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While Liverpool FC waits for their captain’s word on whether he wants to move to Saudi Arabia, they have reportedly agreed on personal terms with rumoured target Romeo Lavia of Southampton.

There had been conflicting reports on whether Liverpool would need to move a midfield player like Thiago to open room for Lavia. Still, it seems Henderson’s possible departure will do it.

Hopefully, with the player committed to the Reds, the club can now begin the process of ̶l̶o̶w̶b̶a̶l̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ negotiating a fee with Southampton. I’d certainly expect Liverpool to move the price down from the £50 million fee that’s been bandied about over the past week, but logic dictates that it’d be slightly more than the £40 million. That’s due to the buy-back clause effective at the same price next year. City will also be due a cut of the transfer fee if Soton decides to sanction a transfer for the player this window. It’s still a pricy sum for a player with only one season of top-flight experience, but the talent is undeniably there. We’ll see if Jörg Schmadtke and company can get the job done.

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Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, who are now managed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, are making a strong push to sign Henderson this summer and reports are claiming that the 33-year-old is leaning towards a move.

Henderson has been offered a deal worth in excess of £700,000 per week, which is around four times his current salary at Liverpool.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool have already made preparations for Henderson’s departure and the club will make a move for Lavia if they lose their captain.

It’s claimed that Jurgen Klopp has already held talks with Lavia about a move to Anfield and the Southampton midfielder is keen on a move to Anfield.

It’s understood that Southampton will demand a £50 million fee for Lavia – a valuation which is considered too high by both Liverpool and Arsenal, who are also interested in a move.

Lavia moved to Southampton in a £14m deal from Manchester City last year and impressed in his first season at St Mary’s, despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

City did include a buyback option in their agreement with Southampton, however, it will not be activated until next summer.

Liverpool began their summer with the £35m signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and followed that up with a £60m deal for Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.