Bild report that Schalke face competition from Mainz to sign Liverpool’s Sepp van den Berg.
Relegated from the Bundesliga, Schalke would like to re-sign Van den Berg on loan for the 2023/24 campaign but Mainz, coached by Bo Svensson, have now shown an interest in the Dutchman.
Per the report, Mainz also hold a slight advantage. Svensson played under Jürgen Klopp during his time at Mainz and is reportedly a close friend of the Liverpool coach.
Because Van den Berg recently extended his contract at Liverpool until 2026, a loan move in the summer is more feasible. Mainz are also searching the market for a central-defender after an injury crisis last season.
Maxim Leitsch would also be free to leave Mainz in the summer, and a move to Schalke may be an option for the 25-year-old, who played under S04 coach Thomas Reis during his time at Bochum.
Liverpool also have a preference to loan Van den Berg to a first division club, which would put Mainz in pole position to sign the 21-year-old Dutchman.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder