Burnley coach Vincent Kompany labels Sepp Van den Berg ‘a really good player’ but admits he has reservations about signing Liverpool’s Premier League starlet this summer, speaking to Lancs Live.
Even if the Championship pacesetters decide against a loan bid for the one-time Bayern Munich target, Van den Berg is unlikely to be short of alternative offers between now and the close of the transfer window.
The 20-year-old centre-back was a big hit during two seasons at Preston North End, after all. Former Deepdale team-mate Greg Cunningham even went as far as to describe Van den Berg’s impact as ‘incredible’.
But, with a number of talented young defenders already plying their trade at Turf Moor, Kompany has a difficult decision to make.
“All I can say is Sepp is a really good player,” says the Manchester City legend. “But a key part of it is to find a balance between the players we’ve already got and the game time; Making sure that we’re strong enough.
“I can’t give you a straight answer because it’s not that straight. It’s just making sure we’re covered enough for the long run. But also making sure we’re not blocking anyone that is doing well.”
Burnley must decide on Sepp Van den Berg deal
Taylor Harwood-Bellis has started both of Burnley’s league games so far under Kompany, alongside the versatile Charlie Taylor. CJ Egan-Riley and Luke McNally are waiting in the wings.
Kompany, meanwhile, confirmed Burnley’s interest in Sporting Lisbon winger Jovane Cabral and Cardiff City forward Isaak Davies. Deals for both players appear to have hit the buffers, however.
Jovane reportedly has concerns about the Turf Moor ‘project’. Cardiff coach Steve Morison, meanwhile, insists that Davies is ‘not for sale’.
“Cabral; It is definitely an option we pursued,” Kompany adds. “But the latest I heard is that, at this moment in time, it is not on the cards.
“Yeah (we like Davies too). If we go through the scouting list, it is quite expensive. But not every deal is feasible. There are players where you have to respect the fact the club doesn’t want to let him go.
“It’s not over until it’s over! But most managers say he’s not our player, so I have to respect he’s someone else’s player. That’s still the case, but I don’t want to deny that there has been an interest and if it happens, we’ll see.”
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