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Rumour Mill: Liverpool “closing in” on Barcelona’s Martin Montoya

Liverpool could be set to land highly rated Barcelona right-back Martin Montoya, according to reports on Thursday.

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The Telegraph suggest the Reds are “closing in” on a deal the 24-year-old Spanish international, with his days at the Camp Nou thought to be numbered.

A new deal for Dani Alves and the arrival of Aleix Vidal from Sevilla has cast Montoya’s future into doubt, with a £7 million bid expected to be enough to secure his signature from the Catalan giants.

Montoya wasn’t named in Barcelona’s matchday squad for their European Cup final victory over Juventus last Saturday, having made only eight appearances in La Liga all season.

Liverpool have long been linked with Montoya but this latest report could be a backup to the club’s first-choice right-back signing of Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.

Liverpool are expected to submit an improved offer for Clyne this week. The Saints are reportedly close to signing Sporting Lisbon right-back Cedric Soares as Clyne’s replacement.

In a recent analysis of Montoya’s credentials for Liverpool by This Is Anfield’s Jack Lusby, our writer concluded “Montoya would make a solid acquisition for the Reds this summer, and no doubt Rodgers can count on the Barcelona man to produce consistent performances at right-back.”

Montoya would be seen as a direct replacement for Glen Johnson, who’s departure from Anfield was confirmed by the Premier League on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old is expected to agree a deal with Turkish giants Besiktas when his Liverpool contract formally comes to an end on July 1st.

Liverpool are also said to be close to agreeing a free transfer move for Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan. The 27-year-old impressed against the Reds in an FA Cup fourth round tie last season and is out of contract at the Macron Stadium.

Would you like to see Liverpool sign Montoya? Let us know your thoughts on the Barcelona right-back in the comments section below.