Barcelona fullback Martin Montoya, who has been perennially linked with a move to Liverpool, looks to be on the outs at the Camp Nou with the clubs sporting director Ariedo Braida hinting that they’ll listen to offers for the Spanish defender.
With the Reds pursuit of Southampton man Nathaniel Clyne yet to bear fruit, this latest development in the availability of a long term target could see the Anfield outfit switch directions — something that his agent Juan de Dios Carrasco, who has confirmed Liverpool’s interest in the past, is now encouraging.
“I can say that there are some clubs in England very interested in Martin Montoya. But also in Italy and Germany. I cannot confirm the names of the English clubs interested yet. We have to think about everything and see what is the best for the future of the player,” he said when asked directly about the Reds interest by IBTimes UK before expanding on just how much they’ll have to dish out to secure his services. “I understand that everything is negotiable but I am yet to meet with the club officials so we don’t know their exact intentions yet. I’m waiting for a call from them and hopefully we can meet in the coming days to clarify the situation.”
With Glen Johnson released by the club after finding himself unable to come to terms with Liverpool’s offer of a vastly reduced contract, on-loan Atletico Madrid man Javier Manquillo struggling to fight his way into the starting eleven and Jon Flanagan still recovering from a knee operation, the Reds are short on options at the back. Despite confirming that Andre Wisdom, who spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, will be a contender for a first team spot this coming campaign, this is a position that the Anfield outfit need to add depth to — the sooner, the better.
