Inter Milan hoping to beat Liverpool in signing Barcelona defender Martin Montoya

Liverpool have suffered a blow in signing Martin Montoya as Inter Milan have joined the race in signing Barcelona defender in the summer transfer window.

The Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has long been an admirer of the right-back. The Merseyside club were considering a move for him as a direct replacement for Glen Johnson, who has already left Anfield.

According to Sport, Inter have now joined the race in signing the 24-year-old. Montaya wants to leave his current employers as he is dropped further down the pecking order after the arrival of Aleix Vidal from Sevilla.

In addition to this, Dani Alves, who was set to leave Barcelona as a free agent in the summer signed a new two-year deal to extend his stay at Camp Nou, as the Brazilian was instrumental in the Catalan club's treble winning campaign.

Montoya started in only six league games during the 2014/15 season under Luis Enrique. It will be difficult for him to find regular playing time next season, especially with Alves committing his future to the La Liga giants and due to the arrival of Vidal.

Inter have already made contact with Barcelona for the availability of the player. The Serie A outfit have also approached the defender to check if he is willing to make a switch to San Siro this summer.

Montoya's contract at Barcelona runs down in 2018 and he has a €10m (£7.2m, $11.2m) release clause in his contract.

His agent Juan Dios Carrasco admitted that his client wants to continue with his current employers, but also suggested that a move to Inter could be on the cards if the situation at the club is not resolved.

"In the next week we will talk with Barcelona. Obviously Martin wants to continue. Inter is a good destination. They are a great club, but we will wait to talk with Barcelona to find out what their opinion is," Montoya's agent said.

The Italian club are hoping to seal the deal for Montoya. If Inter manage to get the Barcelona defender's signature, it will be a blow for Liverpool as the former Swansea manager is keen on landing him to strengthen his side's back four.