Martin Montoya 'to leave Barcelona in January'

Liverpool may have moved closer to a deal for Martin Montoya after the Barcelona right-back's agent suggested that he would be leaving Spain in January.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks, although Juventus are also rumoured to be interested.

However, his representative Juan de Dios Carrasco revealed that a move to England could be close to completion.

He is quoted by The Metro as saying: "He is going to go in January and all that has to be done is to reach an agreement with Barcelona.

"There are a number of clubs in England that are ready to negotiate for him and his buy-out clause is €20m (£15.9m)."

Liverpool's first-choice right-back Glen Johnson was forced off through injury during the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.