Liverpool are said to be the frontrunners to sign Barcelona's highly-rated youngster Martin Montoya.

Reds managing director Ian Ayre has flown to Spain to open talks with the centre-back ahead of a potential January switch, The Mirror reports.

Montoya will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season, but Liverpool are understood to be keen to secure his services as soon as possible.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers requires cover at the back after losing Jose Enrique for the rest of the season through injury.

Arsenal and Inter Milan have also been linked with Montoya, who has 22 caps for Spain at Under-21 level.