Blow For Liverpool As Target Claims He Is Happy At Barcelona

Liverpool target Martin Montoya claims he hopes to stay at Barcelona, even though his contract expires next June and negotiations with the Catalans over a new deal have collapsed.

The 22-year-old right back will be able to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer this summer and recent reports claimed that Liverpool are eager to agree a cut-price deal in January in order to strengthen Brendan Rodgers' defence after Jose Enrique suffered injury.

However, Montoya suggests that he will stay at Barcelona and maintains he will commit his future to the Catalans in a new deal.

"I am at the best team in the world. I have not rush to sign a new deal, I'm sure everything will be solved," he said.

The Spain under-21 international started for Barcelona in their last game against Elche and he has made substantial progress in the team in recent months - playing 15 La Liga games and replacing Daniel Alves with very successful performances.

Montoya´s progress at the Nou Camp and his current contract situation have alerted many European sides but reports claim that Liverpool lead the race over Serie A clubs to secure his services.

Nevertheless, despite Montoya´s desire to stay at Barcelona his agent suggested last week that negotiations with the Catalans over a new deal have been unsuccessful.

"At the moment everything is stopped [regarding a renewal with Barcelona].

"The situation is clear - if we cannot reach an agreement on a new contract, Montoya will be free to find a new club. It's a complicated situation," he said.

Montoya was a key player for the Spain Under-21 team that won the European Championship last summer and Spanish manager Vicente Del Bosque is willing to give him the chance to play in the next summer's World Cup if he continues playing regularly at Barcelona.