Borussia Dortmund 'win' race for French international as Liverpool transfer stance explained

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly won the race for Lyon and France midfielder Rayan Cherki - who has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20-year-old had been expected to sign for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, but, according to L'Equipe, the 2024 Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund have hijacked a move for the midfielder.

Cherki has 12 months left on his current deal at Lyon, and, as a result, reports in France had touted him with a summer move to the Premier League. That was until PSG agreed to a £12m deal with Lyon for the midfielder after he held talks with senior figures at the club.

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However, Cherki now appears set for a summer move to the Bundesliga after reports in France claim that Dortmund matched PSG's bid for the midfielder this weekend.

Meanwhile, Mainz 05 sporting director Christian Heidel has said the Bundesliga side must be patient in their pursuit of Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg.

The 22-year-old spent the 2023/24 season on loan at the MEWA Arena and helped the German side avoid relegation from the Bundesliga. As a result of his impressive performances, Mainz 05 are one of several sides - including Brentford and newly-promoted Southampton - that are interested in signing the defender this summer.

Liverpool, however, value Van den Berg at £20m after an impressive loan stint and the Reds are refusing to budge despite the defender's public plea for a transfer.

Now, though, Heidel has revealed Mainz have been in contact with Anfield officials over a deal but insists Van den Berg is set to be assessed by Liverpool's new regime when pre-season begins at the start of July.

"It's difficult, I can't do that. We're waiting. We've been in contact with Liverpool several times," Heidel told Sky Germany for an update on a potential deal. "When Liverpool starts training, there won't be a central defender there because they're all spread out at the European Championships and the Copa América and then they want to take a look and take their time."

He added: "Sepp has made it clear that he would really like to stay in Mainz . We would really like to keep him, now Liverpool have to play along too. We're giving Liverpool the time and we're taking the time."