Barcelona defender Martin Montoya's contract negotiations have stalled - and that could encourage Liverpool to make a fresh move for him this month.

The Reds are keen on the 22-year-old and even sent managing director Ian Ayre to Catalonia in November to discuss a possible deal.

But Barcelona want to retain the right-back - although they have thus far failed to extend his contract, which expires in June.

Now his agent Josep Maria Orobitg has hinted the player will start pursuing other options if Barcelona don't revive negotiations soon.

He told TMW: "At the moment everything is stopped. The situation is clear - if we cannot reach an agreement on a new contract, Montoya will be free to find a new club. It's a complicated situation.

"There have been no recent contacts with the leaders of Barcelona. We will assess the situation, in the coming weeks we will have news.

"Possible future in Italy for Montoya? Every day I have to clarify the situation of Martin, who has been requested by three clubs in Serie. Montoya, however, has requests from other major European leagues, not just Serie A."

Source: talkSPORT