Martin Montoya: Agent confirms Barcelona departure and Premier League interest

The agent of Barcelona 23-year-old defender Martin Montoya has reaffirmed his plans to leave the Nou Camp in January, with Liverpool among the clubs vying for his signature.

The Catalan giants have made attempts to persuade Montoya to remain at the club, but having seen little game time under manager Luis Enrique this season he has already decided his future lies elsewhere.

The right back has been repeatedly linked with a move to Anfield, but Glen Johnson's contract standoff which is likely to see the 30-year-old leave for nothing at the end of the season could force Brendan Rodgers to consider a replacement sooner rather than later.

Montoya's agent Juan de Dios Carrasco has hinted talks with potential new clubs are well underway.

"Tomorrow there will be a summit with Barcelona to communicate a decision we have already made," he told Tutto Mercato Web. "We will leave the club in January, there are clubs interested in England, Italy and Germany."

While Barcelona are still able to block Montoya's transfer, having extended his contract to 2018 earlier this year, Carrasco is optimistic the player's departure will be a smooth transition.

"It's not a problem for Montoya, it's not a problem for us," he added when asked about the possibility of Barcelona standing in their way. "The decision has been made, we are seeing what the situation is like and what the decision of Luis Enrique will be.

"When a Barcelona player like Montoya wants to leave I do not think the club will be opposed to saying goodbye."

Carrasco was also asked if Juventus were one of the interested parties but refused to disclose the names of specific clubs.

Rodgers has played down the possibility of significant additions to his squad during the January window but doubts over Johnson's future could force his hand.