Liverpool are ready to go to battle with Italian giants Inter to secure the signature of Barcelona right-back Martin Montoya, according to TalkSport.
Brendan Rodgers has been reported to be a huge fan of the 22-year-old defender, and with Jamie Carragher retiring at the end of the season and Martin Skrtel expected to leave the club, the Irish manager is looking to strike early in his transfer dealings to bolster the backline.
However, with Inter losing stalwart right-back Javier Zanetti for at least the next six months with a ruptured Achilles’ tendon the San Siro side are also desperate to add some extra bodies to their roster.
Montoya is a nippy right-back who can ultimately play anywhere in defence. The Spaniard is out of contract in a year’s time and is unsure whether he is willing to stay and fight for his place or switch to another European club and take his reputation to the next level but if it is the latter a hefty fee will have to be paid.
From his 13 La Liga appearances this year Montoya has a pass success of 91%, a shot accuracy of 100%, and on average makes four defensive actions per game.
With Glen Johnson having arguably the season of his career, although that hasn’t exactly been difficult, and Jose Enrique still bossing the left flank at Anfield, Montoya would have to work hard to make himself first choice.
Liverpool may look to offloading their prize donkey Andy Carroll to free up some funds for their potential bidding war.