Liverpool target Martin Montoya 'has Premier League offer' paving move away from Barcelona

Barcelona defender Martin Montoya is considering a move to the Premier League, according to the Spaniard's agent.

Despite the attempts of the Catalan giants to convince Montoya to remain at the club, the 23-year-old right-back appears close to sealing a move away having struggled for first-team football under Luis Enrique.

Montoya has been persistently linked with a move to Liverpool, speculation that has increased with Glen Johnson's future at the club in real doubt as a result of his current contract standoff.

And while clubs in the Bundesliga and Serie A are also interested, Montoya's agent, Juan de Dios Carrasco, has suggested he may favour a move to the Premier League.

"He is going to go in January and all that has to be done is to reach an agreement with Barcelona, Carrasco told Reuters.

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

Barcelona's looming transfer ban is likely to play a deciding factor in whether Montoya will be allowed to leave, with a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport expected before the end of the year.

However, Montoya's agent has previously suggested he expects his client to be allowed to leave the Nou Camp regardless of Barcelona's position.

"It's not a problem for Montoya, it's not a problem for us," he said earlier this month when asked of 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."

Liverpool signed right-back Javi Manquillo during the summer transfer window but should the club be resigned to losing Johnson at the end of the season, manager Brendan Rodgers may be forced to consider reinforcements.