Joe Gomez is expected to move away from Liverpool this summer, with rivals Everton and Antonio Conte's Tottenham among the teams interested in his signature.

While Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is believed to want Gomez to stay and remain apart of the squad, he doesn't know where the Englishman can fit in, and with game-time not at all guaranteed at Anfield, a sale is expected.

His departure could provide some of the more younger players an opportunity to become apart of the first team squad, including Sepp van den Berg, who has become a fan favourite at Preston having spent the last year there, after joining on-loan back in February 2021.

The Dutchman would effectively be a like-for-like replacement for Gomez versatility wise, with both players showing competence at playing in the right-back position as well as playing in the centre of defence.

Having played in 40 games in all competitions already this season, van den Berg has scored two goals and kept 13 clean sheets - becoming one of the first names on the team sheet at Deepdale.

Averaging a 7.03 in his second season in the Championship, the 20-year-old hasn't made a single error which has led to a goal and is making 2.2 tackles per game as well as accurately completing 75% of his passes.

In addition, the youngster who was dubbed "complete" and compared to German defender Mats Hummels by scout Jacek Kulig, is completing on average 1.7 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game, as well as 73% of his dribble attempts and 63% of his duels, while giving away less than one foul per game.

Branded "quality" by teammate Ryan Ledson, van den Berg himself believes this will be his last loan spell at Preston, with bigger things in mind - saying previously: " I have felt all of the love I've gotten ever since I came here and I really appreciate it.

"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."

Despite being valued at just £2.7m by Transfermarkt, he arrived at Anfield back in 2019 for £1.71m, and will be looking to add onto his four senior appearances for the Reds next season, and Gomez' departure could give him a great opportunity to do so.

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