Burnley are going to have to fend off three of their division rivals to sign Liverpool youngster Sepp van den Berg on loan.

The Lowdown: Van den Berg on the move?

The Dutchman spent last season on loan at Preston, becoming an almost ever-present figure and making 45 Championship appearances in total.

Now back at Liverpool for the time being, it seems almost certain that Jurgen Klopp will allow Van den Berg to leave on a temporary basis once again.

The 20-year-old is behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips in the centre-back pecking order at Anfield currently, and reliable reports have confirmed Burnley's interest.

The Latest: Hotly contested race

According to The Daily Mail, Burnley are indeed keen on snapping up Van den Berg before the end of the summer transfer window, but the Clarets are 'vying' with Watford, Blackburn and Sheffield United.

Vincent Kompany has admitted his admiration for the defender, describing him as a 'really good player'.

The Verdict: Excellent temporary option

Van den Berg showed last season what a force he can be in the Championship, averaging 2.9 aerial duel wins per game and cutting a dominant and composed figure, despite his age.

For that reason, signing him on loan wouldn't feel like a risk for Burnley, with the Liverpool youngster potentially learning hugely from working alongside a former centre-back great in Kompany.

The exits of Ben Mee, James Tarkowski and Nathan Collins have clearly highlighted the need for centre-back reinforcements at Turf Moor this summer, so snapping up Van den Berg makes complete sense.