Martin Montoya
Reuters

Liverpool are planning a bid for Barcelona defender Martín Montoya in January, according to the Guardian.

The 22-year-old can operate in both full-back positions and will be a major asset for Brendan Rodgers who has Jose Enrique out till February after undergoing a knee surgery. The defender has failed to make the first team at the Camp Nou owing to competition from Dani Alvez and is willing to ply his trade elsewhere to strengthen his chances of making the World Cup squad for Brazil next year.

Rodgers is looking for ball playing defenders who can play from the back and Montoya, given his lineage, will be a perfect fit for the Merseyside club. The former Swansea manager has Aly Cissokho at left-back but the on loan defender has failed to make a mark and has been found wanting in tougher ties against the likes of Arsenal in recent weeks. Liverpool are looking to finish in the top four and Montoya's arrival will give them some much needed solidity in their defence which was caught out against Everton, where they conceded three goals.

The defender's contract with Barcelona expires in 2014 but is still exploring the prospect of signing a new deal which will keep him at the club. However, Liverpool's promise of first team football can tilt the tide in their favour and complete a permanent transfer in January. Rodgers has previously voiced the need to sign a replacement for Enrique, failing which will dent their top four hopes.

"It is certainly something that - if Jose is going to be out for a long time - we would have to look at for sure. We think Jose will be a few months. It is not a long-term one but will be the new year for sure. It is not ideal, you would prefer two in there to really be challenging. Jose is clearly one of the best left backs in the league and to have him out is a blow," Rodgers said earlier this week.