Schalke defender Sepp van den Berg says he held talks with Burnley during the transfer window but had his heart set on a move to the Bundesliga.

The 20-year-old headed to the German top-flight on a season-long loan from Liverpool after signing a new deal with the Merseyside outfit.

He has already made three starts for his new club, most recently in a 1-0 defeat against Borussia Dortmund.

Van den berg spent time on loan at Preston North End last term, making 50 appearances in all competitions for the Deepdale outfit.

The Dutchman was one of several defenders linked with a move to Turf Moor prior to Jordan Beyer’s arrival on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach on deadline day.

He told Dutch outlet EFL Voetbal: “I already knew during pre-season that I would be loaned out. The chance of playing time at Liverpool is of course small.

“It was nice that I was on the bench for four more games in the Premier League this season, but I learn the most when I play.

“Over the last year and a half I gained a lot of experience at Preston North End in Championship."

He added: “Another year in the Championship was not my preference. I spoke with Burnley but I still wanted a step higher. The Bundesliga was my preference.”

Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Luke McNally also joined the Clarets over the summer as Vincent Kompany bolstered his centre-back options following the departures of Ben Mee, James Tarkowski and Nathan Collins.

Burnley are currently fourth in the Championship table heading into the international break – three points behind second-placed Norwich City.

Kompany’s men are back in action on Saturday, October 1 when they travel to managerless Cardiff City.

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