Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Martin Montoya, Sebastian Giovinco

Martin Montoya's return to Barcelona will depend on Inter Milan, and the agent of Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco has addressed rumours linking his client with a move to Catalonia, confirming the Blaugrana expressed an interest in the player.

Montoya joined Inter on loan during the summer of 2015 with an option for a second season, with all parties involved likely hoping the 24-year-old would finally see some more playing time and could continue his development.

He's yet to see any significant minutes with the Nerazzurri, however, leading to some speculation Barcelona could recall him in January.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Barcelona international sporting director Ariedo Braida told FCInterNews.it (h/t Sport) such a move would have to be instigated by Inter: "The return of Martin Montoya to Barcelona is not a question that should be subject to my opinion. It's a question for Inter because the final decision is up to them. In life you have to know how to take the bull by the horns.”

Montoya's lack of consistent action is yet another setback in what once seemed to be a promising career. A graduate of the famed Masia, the full-back made his first start for the Blaugrana in 2012 and looked like the obvious heir to Dani Alves.

After an impressive first six months with the senior team, expectations were high heading into the 2012-13 campaign, but Montoya never took the next step in his development. Alves remained the unquestioned starter, and Montoya spent the next few seasons on the bench, leading to this summer's loan move.

It should have been a fresh start for Montoya, who was selected for Spain's national team in 2011 and should have become the nation's next top full-back. Instead, the misery has continued for the full-back, and it doesn't look like he'll get his opportunity with Inter anytime soon.

Recalling Montoya would achieve little, as the situation at the Camp Nou hasn't changed. There's no room for the defender in the Barcelona squad, and at this point, the only logical solution appears to be a permanent move to a smaller club.

Montoya needs minutes to prove he can still be a valuable asset to any club, and a mid-table La Liga side could provide such an opportunity.

Adam Hunger/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Toronto star Giovinco apparently caught the eye of the Spanish champions with his form during the MLS regular season, and his agent, Andrea D'Amico, told Rai Sport's Zona 11 (h/t MLSSoccer.com) Barcelona made contact regarding his services.

It never came close to an actual deal, however, per D'Amico: “There was interest, but nothing too in-depth. It’s a little amazing that these kinds of teams didn’t get in touch with him before he went on his adventure in North America. But right now he’s concentrated on his decision [to play for Toronto FC]."

Giovinco moved to MLS from Juventus last season and enjoyed a phenomenal first campaign, scoring 22 goals, the joint-most in the league, and adding 16 assists, good for the most in the league, per MLSSoccer.com.

Vancouver Whitecaps forward Robert Earnshaw thinks he's the obvious choice for MLS MVP:

The Italian's stunning season didn't lead to a call up to the national team for their two friendlies taking place during November's international break, and with the MLS season already over for Toronto, it's easy to see why there would be some loan rumours or even talk of a permanent transfer, per D'Amico.

Barcelona aren't looking for a starter in attack, with Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi already guaranteed their spots, but someone such as Giovinco could provide solid depth behind that trio. Stylistically, he'll remind fans of Messi for his surging runs with the ball at his feet, even if he doesn't share the Argentinian's raw talent.

That said, a move was never likely, and Barcelona probably didn't push hard for his services. Giovinco moved to Toronto because he didn't have the opportunity to start with Juventus―it would make no sense for him to go back to a situation where he would be a bench player one year later.

He's in a great place in Toronto right now, and don't expect him to leave anytime soon.

Follow @ReverschPass