Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe has said once again that the club are “in talks” with Liverpool over the future of Sepp van den Berg.
The young defender has been spending the season on loan with the Championship club, and has impressed during his time at Deepdale. Despite being predominantly a centre-back, Van den Berg has often been utilised in the wing-back role this term.
Van den Berg first joined Preston on loan for the second half of last season, and has since made 58 appearances for the Lancashire outfit. His form has led to calls from many of the club’s fans to make the deal permanent, and has led to the player’s future being up in the air.
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Lowe said last week that Preston and Liverpool have been in talks over Van den Berg’s future, and has reiterated that stance in a recent fans’ forum. Speaking about the Reds defender, Lowe accepted that the wishes of the player will be key to where he ends up playing next season.
“We’re in talks with Liverpool but it’ll be down to Sepp and what he wants to do,” said Lowe, speaking at a fans’ forum on Monday night.
“I think he’ll want to find a suitable, permanent home, but I would’ve thought if he was at Liverpool next season and looking to go on loan, we’ll be in a good position.”
Back in February, Van den Berg accepted that he does not think it’s likely that he will be remaining with Preston beyond this season. However, he did not say whether his future will be with Liverpool or another club.
“Of course, I have felt all of the love I’ve gotten ever since I came here and I really appreciate it,” Van den Berg told Lancs Live last month. “It means a lot to me and helps me. You never know, but I reckon after this season that it unfortunately has to come to an end.
“But, I have really enjoyed my time here and there are still a few months to go, so I will just keep enjoying it while I am here. If we get to the Premier League (for) next year I might as well stay here! You never know; I just live in the moment and enjoy every game, the home games, the away games, seeing all of the fans, being around the training ground with the players.
“You never know, but we will see. Liverpool is a big club, I have been talking mostly with the loan manager – whatever you want to call it – and it’s been all positive as well, which is good for me. I am really happy and grateful that I got the opportunity here.
