Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona full-back Martin Montoya after the Spaniard said he expects to renew his contract at the Nou Camp.
Montoya had been linked to the Reds last month, with Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre reportedly flying out to Barcelona to tie up the deal ahead of January’s transfer window.
22-year-old Montoya’s current deal at Barcelona expires next summer, with many predicting that he wouldn’t renew due to lack of first-team opportunities.
However, in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero (quotes translated by IBTimes), Montoya said, “I did not say anything. The press reported that we [Tello and Montoya] wanted to quit Barcelona but it is not true. I have already said that I have spent the last 14 years here and despite my contract expiring in a few months, it is almost certain that I am going to renew.
“I hope to be at Barcelona many years and I never said that I want to leave. It is normal that a player wants to play more but if there is the chance to do that at Barcelona, at the team of my life, it would be much better.”
Since the speculation linking him to Liverpool last month, Montoya has started the last five Barcelona La Liga games. He added, “I am very happy for the opportunities that the boss has given me recently. I have been in the starting line-up in the last games and I have to take advantage of these opportunities to continue playing. I have to win my place in the line-up on the pitch and in the training sessions.”
It was thought by many that Montoya would be the perfect signing for Brendan Rodgers this January, with the Liverpool boss lacking in options at both left-back and right-back, and Montoya able to play on both sides.
See who else Liverpool have been linked with recently in our Rumour Mill
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