By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Mainz make progress in talks to sign defender permanently

Mainz want to make Stefan Posch's loan move permanent, with talks with Como progressing well.

Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Stefan Posch could remain at Mainz 05 beyond the summer after spending the second half of the season on loan at the Bundesliga club.

According to Kicker, Mainz are making progress in their bid to sign the Austrian international on a permanent basis and have entered concrete negotiations with his parent club, Como.

Since no purchase option was included in the loan deal, the two clubs will have to agree on a transfer fee. A fee in the mid to high single-digit million range is considered realistic for Mainz.

Posch established himself as a key player following his January switch, making 20 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

He is currently part of Austria’s squad for the World Cup.