Mainz are locked in talks to sign Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg.

The Holland U21 international spent last season on-loan with Schalke.

And according to Sky Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg, Van den Berg is now returning to Germany with Mainz.

Plettenberg reported: "Van den Berg has landed in Frankfurt and received permission to negotiate with other clubs.

"Mainz 05 are the best placed in the hunt for Van den Berg, but two more German clubs are showing interest.

"Mainz want to complete the deal quickly. It can be both a loan and a permanent transfer."