Barcelona defender Martin Montoya completes loan move to Inter Milan

Liverpool have suffered a blow in their pursuit of signing Martin Montoya as Barcelona defender completed a loan move to Inter Milan on 3 July.

The 25-year-old's agent told IBTimes UKseveral clubs in England were interested in signing the right-back. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported the Merseyside club were keen on securing the services of the Catalan club's defender.

However, Montoya has now ended the ongoing speculation surrounding his future by agreeing a season-long loan move with the Serie A giants. Inter have the option of extending his loan deal if he manages to make a certain number of appearances in the 2015/16 season.

A statement on Barcelona's official website read: "The FC Barcelona player Martín Montoya Torralbo has been loaned to the Italian club FC Internazionale Milano for one season."

"The two clubs have agreed that the loan contract shall be automatically renewed for a further season if the player appears in a certain number of games. At the end of the second season, Inter shall retain an option to sign the player on a permanent basis."

"The Managing Commission has approved the player loan to FC Internazionale Milano after receiving a positive report from the Club's Technical Committee," it added.

Inter completed the signing of Mirando as the central defender arrived at San Siro from Atletico Madrid. He is now followed by Montoya. The Italian club's president Eric Tohir has expressed his delight with adding the Barcelona man to their squad.

"It's a pleasure for us to welcome Martin Montoya to Inter. I met him at the airport and my first impression was excellent. Our squad is becoming stronger by the day and our aim is to keep on getting better and better," Tohir told Inter's official website.

Glen Johnson left Anfield on a free transfer after his contract expired on 30 June. Brendan Rodgers replaced him with Nathaniel Clyne, who arrived from Southampton.