Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel has admitted that his side need Liverpool to ‘play along’ when it comes to keeping hold of the Reds star they had on loan last term.
Now former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp agreed to send starlet Sepp van den Berg out on loan to Mainz last season and he impressed.
The centre-back relished the spell and has made no secret of the fact he wants a permanent Liverpool exit this summer, with the Bundesliga his priority.
Mainz have a right of first refusal, but Liverpool are looking for a big fee for Van den Berg, around £20m, and that has cast doubt over what might happen.
Heidel admits that Mainz need to play the waiting game for now, with Liverpool wanting time to think.
He told Sky Deutschland (via Fussball Transfers): “It’s difficult, I can’t do that [predict when Liverpool might decide]. We’re waiting.
“We’ve been in contact with Liverpool several times.
“When Liverpool start training, there won’t be a central defender there because they’re all spread out at the European Championships and the Copa America and then they want to take a look and take their time.”
The Mainz deal-maker admits that for any deal to happen to bring Van den Berg back then Liverpool will have to ‘play along’ and he is keen to make sure the Reds have time and space to decide.
“Sepp has made it clear that he would really like to stay in Mainz.
“We would really like to keep him, now Liverpool have to play along too. We’re giving Liverpool the time and we’re taking the time.”
Van den Berg has been sent out repeatedly on loan spells and is now keen to depart Liverpool permanently to play week in, week out.
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