Liverpool have registered their interest in Barcelona defender Martin Montoya, according to reports from Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
The 24-year-old Barcelona defender was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, and also during the January transfer window. However, he opted to stay with the Blaugrana instead and signed a long term contract at the Catalan club.
Montoya at one point of time was seen as a natural heir to Dani Alves. However, with Alves renewing his contract and Barcelona having signed Aleix Vidal in the summer, he is certain to drop down the pecking orders at the club. The Spaniard made only eight appearances in the La Liga last season. His future seems lie away from the Camp Nou, with Barcelona more likely to accept offers from the highest bidder.
At this moment, we don’t know yet how much Barcelona are demanding for him. He has a release clause of €20m, but Barcelona are likely to sell him at a much reduced price. The defender is open to move as he demands regular first team actions which Barcelona cannot provide at the moment.
Liverpool need a solid right back in the summer. Glen Johnson has left the club after the expiry of his contract while Jon Flanagan has struggled with his injuries. Emre Can played as a right back last season, but the German midfielder’s long term role in the team lies in midfield only.
In such a scenario, a move for Montoya makes sense. He is a reliable defender who would add much needed quality to the side. La Liga club Sevilla are also thought to be interested in signing him, as the Andalucian club search for a replacement of Aleix Vidal.
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