Merseyside clubs to battle over Barcelona defender Montoya

Everton are set to rival Liverpool to capture Barcelona’s wantaway defender Martin Montonya, with the youngster expected to be sold in the upcoming transfer window. Montoya only signed a 5-year contract in the summer, but Spanish media are reporting that the 23-year-old will be sold, having failed to make an impression under Luis Enrique.

The right-back has played just once this season, which was a start against Athletic Bilbao in early September, and has reportedly been told he can leave the Nou Camp.

Liverpool had been seen as favourites to capture Montoya, but Everton have come into the running as Roberto Martinez looks to take another of Barcelona’s youngsters to Goodison Park. Everton had Gerard Deulofeu on loan last season and Barcelona could be more willing to do business with them rather than Liverpool.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is also out to stop Montoya departing to Anfield, because the Spaniard wants to take him to Napoli instead. Recent Spanish debutant Jose Callejon has found good form at the Italian giants, whilst Raul Albiol also plays for the club. Inter Milan, who are now managed by Roberto Mancini, are also one of the other clubs rumoured to be in for Montoya.

Any sort of deal could involve an initial loan period before the £7m rated defender makes a permanent move next summer. With Barcelona, Montoya has won two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and one SuperCopa. He has been called up to the senior Spanish team once in 2011, but failed to make his debut for La Roja.

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