Liverpool Transfer News: Rumours on World-Class Names Linked to Reds

Liverpool appear set to do business with Barcelona over right-back Martin Montoya.

Fichajes.net (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) claims that Brendan Rodgers is ready to bring in the Spanish defender, with Montoya desperate for first-team football. Bellshaw states that the deal would cost the Reds £8.8 million.

Rodgers is on the look out for a new full-back, with Glen Johnson expected to depart Anfield in the summer after running down his contract, as reported by James Pearce of The Liverpool Echo.

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Montoya has regularly found himself down the pecking order at Camp Nou, playing deputy to Dani Alves for much of his professional career after making his way through the Barca academy.

This season, he has only managed eight starts in La Liga and the Copa del Rey combined, per WhoScored.com. 

A move to Liverpool would be seen as a huge positive for the player, as it would give him the opportunity to play in one of the most demanding leagues in the world on a regular basis.

This would also help highlight his ability to international bosses, with the player yet to earn a full cap after making appearances for his country at various youth levels.

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However, it is questionable whether the player is of the standard for Liverpool's current needs if they wish to regularly compete for the Champions League places, let alone the Premier League title. 

Montoya has spent five seasons in and around Barca's first-team squad, but his lack of game experience will concern many Liverpool fans.

The Reds have seen a much stronger full-back struggle at Anfield this season, with Spain international Alberto Moreno, who is considered a much better prospect than Montoya, showing indifferent form during his debut campaign in a Liverpool shirt.

Theo Walcott and Paulo Dybala Out Of Rodgers' Reach

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Despite the chase for Montoya, Rodgers has admitted that his side could be set to miss out on a number of signings, such as Theo Walcott and Paulo Dybala, if Liverpool miss out on Champions League qualification.

Tom Sheen of The Independent quoted the Reds boss speaking after Liverpool's capitulation at Arsenal, conceding that the best players in the world want to play in Europe's elite club competition:

"

I look at Arsenal and their bench, the players, the world-class players on the field with big talent, and it shows the continual work we have to do. We always felt this year was going to be difficult. That was the reality of it.

...

I think most players want to be in the Champions League. But I think also that Liverpool is a great club, a phenomenal club that players want to play for.

"

And with Liverpool slowly slipping out of the Champions League picture, Mike McGrath of The Sun (subscription required) has confirmed that Walcott is set to speak to Arsenal about a new deal, dashing Rodgers' hopes of landing the winger. 

Dybala's possible capture could also be negated by Wenger, with Pete O'Rourke of Sky Sports noting that Palermo have received an offer for the Argentinian from the north London outfit:

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The next few weeks will be tricky for Rodgers as he plans a transfer strategy for the summer. Montoya would offer insurance in the defensive department, but it is players such as Walcott and Dybala who could take Liverpool to the next level.

The loss of Luis Suarez had seemed to have been all but forgotten about over the past few months, as Liverpool rose out of the ashes of a horrendous start to play their best football once again. 

But after recent defeats, the cracks are far too apparent, and Rodgers will have to find players who can take on the weight Suarez carried with such ease.