Liverpool Target Martin Montoya Nearing Barcelona Exit As Juventus Looms

Earlier this month, it was reported that right-back Martin Montoya had informed Barcelona officials that he wanted to leave the Catalan club in January.

Despite recently featuring in manager Luis Enrique’s side during an 8-1 win over Huesca in the Copa del Rey, as well as Barcelona’s final league match of 2014 against Cordoba, the 23-year-old has remained adamant that his future lies away from the club where he started his professional career.

The product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy has found first-team playing time extremely difficult since Enrique’s arrival at the club this summer – only making four appearances this season for La Blaugrana.

Now, the Catalan daily SPORT has reported that the defender is close to securing a move to Italian champions Juventus.

According to the publication, Montoya has seen the proposal from Juventus and is willing to sign with the Old Lady for the next four years. But the defender has a release clause of 20 million euros (£16 million) and the Italian club has yet to meet that amount.

Juventus are still negotiating with Barcelona and it is believed that – even if they refuse to pay the player’s release clause – the club can work out a deal for the disgruntled right-back.

Liverpool have been rumored to be competing with Juventus for Montoya’s signature.

Brendan Rodgers has reportedly been monitoring the situation and could still play a role in the player’s future, if he decides to activate the defender’s release clause.

But Juventus hold the upper-hand because they can guarantee the Barcelona right-back Champions League football next season and a potential spot in their starting eleven, since age and injuries are beginning to take a toll on the club’s defensive unit.

The player’s agent, Juan De Dios Carrasco; as well as Barcelona and Juventus are currently trying to reach an agreement that will appease all the parties involved.