Liverpool boss faces big test over PSV target as Arsenal star considers shock u-turn

Arne Slot is facing the first major challenge of his Liverpool reign as defender Sepp van den Berg continues to seek a permanent move during the summer transfer window.

The Dutch centre-back has enjoyed successful loan spells away from Anfield with the likes of Preston North End, Schalke 04 and Mainz in recent seasons but is now said to be keen to secure a more permanent move away from the club. PSV Eindhoven are reportedly keen to secure a deal this summer but reports in the Netherlands have claimed the Eredivisie giants are unwilling to meet Liverpool’s £16.7m asking price for the defender.

The presence of Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate within Slot’s squad means Van den Berg will face sizeable task to break into the starting lineup during the new manager’s first season in charge and that has caused him to seek a move away from Anfield.

Speaking in June, he opened up on the situation, saying: "I knew that I couldn't get from PEC Zwolle to Liverpool's first team. I could have been at Liverpool for one or two more years, but I wanted to play with all my might. I demanded to be out. On the one hand, that was great. Yes, how does that work, you're 17, 18 years old, you're central to the defence in training against the starting XI, you have to build up and then Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah come running towards you. 

"It was tough, but I enjoyed it. But in all honesty, I wasn't looked after anymore. I also felt 'ready' (in 2021). I had a good conversation with the management. He said he had received good reports. I understood that I wasn't going to play Van Dijk, Matip or Konate out [the team]. But I thought I could be right behind it. When I didn't get a chance again, I said: 'Figure it out, I want to leave.' You (Liverpool) didn't exude confidence in me all this time, but you do want to hinder my future. I want to keep playing every week and develop myself further."

With PSV unwilling to up what they believe is already a sizeable offer for Van den Berg, it now seems likely Slot will face the first big call of his time in charge at Anfield as he has to ease the concerns of one of his newly-inherited players.

The 3AM Verdict: Liverpool’s asking price for Van den Berg does seem slightly unrealistic, even in these days when fees are massively inflated. Surely they would rather lower their demands and get an unhappy player off the books.

Gunners star considers shock u-turn

Arsenal defender Ben White has found himself out in the cold when it comes to the England squad.

The former Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion star has been in fine form in recent years as Mikel Arteta’s side have challenged for the Premier League title over the last two seasons. Although being viewed as a natural centre-back earlier in his career, White has made the Gunners right-back position his own under the former Everton midfielder and was expected to feature heavily in England squads during that time.

However, a reported fall-out with Gareth Southgate’s assistant manager Steve Holland meant White asked Southgate not to be named in Three Lions squads in March after an incident was said to have happened during England’s World Cup campaign in Qatar during the winter of 2022.

Speaking earlier this year, Southgate said of White: "I spoke to him post-Qatar, because I wanted to pick him. There was clearly reticence from his side, I don't know fully why that is. But I have to respect that, I want to leave the door open for him, because he's a good player and he can make a difference for England - but he's not available to us, so the only other thing I would say is there is no issue between us, at all. There's no issue with [England coach] Steve Holland, because that has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that. People can talk about me and I have to say things get said about me, which are false, and you have to stomach that for whatever reason in this role.”

However, Southgate and Holland’s recent departure in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 Final defeat against Spain has reportedly led the Gunners star to a rethink over his international future and the Daily Star have now suggested White could well put himself back in contention for a call-up in the near future. England are now back in action until they face a Nations League double header against the Republic of Ireland and Finland and White may find himself back in contention for a place when Southgate’s successor names his squad.

The 3AM Verdict: With Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier now likely to be in the winter of their England careers, White may find himself back fully in contention with the Three Lions. His all-round game has improved significantly in recent years and there is no reason why he shouldn’t come into the conversation for a place at right-back when Southgate’s successor names his first squad in September.