Centre-back Sepp van den Berg is almost certain to leave Anfield on a permanent transfer, with a deal likely to be agreed when Liverpool’s £20m-plus fee is close to being accepted, according to David Ornstein.

The 22-year-old has impressed during pre-season and Liverpool have rejected bids from Mainz – where he had a successful loan spell in 2023/24 – as well as Wolfsburg to keep hold of him.

Although PSV Eindhoven have also expressed interest, head coach Arne Slot wants to give Sepp a chance to prove himself before the new season starts.

Van den Berg has taken advantage of the opportunity, but that has only increased interest from other clubs, and Brentford are seriously considering a move for him alongside the likes of Dara O’Shea (Burnley) and Anel Ahmedhodzic (Sheffield United).

Brentford have long been admirers of the Dutch youngster and have recently worked with Liverpool on a deal that would see striker Fabio Carvalho move to the west London club.

Van den Berg joined Liverpool for £4.4m from Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle in 2019. He has made four first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp, while spending most of his time on loan at Preston North End, Schalke and Mainz.

“The Dutch defender will soon make a decision between the two clubs, after speaking with Xabi Alonso and Thomas Frank.”

In fact, this is a relatively surprising transfer move, because Van den Berg impressed coach Arne Slot in the pre-season and is expected to play an important role in Liverpool’s defense this season. Previously, The Kop also rejected a loan offer from Mainz 05, the club Van den Berg played for last season.

Van den Berg joined Liverpool for £4.4m from PEC Zwolle in 2019. He made four first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp, with loan spells at Preston North End, Schalke and Mainz.