Juventus lead chase for Martin Montoya

Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport is reporting that Serie A champions Juventus remain in pole position to sign Barcelona defender Martin Montoya.

And while the likes of Roma, Inter, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen are also believed to be keen, the Bianconeri seem to have gained the upper hand.

Juventus officials have been in constant contact with the defender’s representatives with a view of luring the 23-year-old to Turin in January.

Montoya’s release clause currently stands at $20 million, but the Catalans are aware there will be no interested sides ready to trigger the clause.

Both the player and his agent have made it clear that the full-back intends to leave Barcelona in search of first team football and they have informed the club officials of their plans.

Montoya was surprisingly in the starting line-up as Barcelona hammered Huesca in Copa del Rey, but one start is unlikely to change the defender’s stance.