Reports: Victor Valdes to join Manchester United in January

Valdes and van Gaal were together at Barcelona

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is all set to steal a march on their rivals by signing decorated former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a free transfer this month. Amidst speculation surrounding David de Gea’s long-term future at Old Trafford, reports indicate that Valdes will join the English club till the end of next season.

Renewing old friendship

Valdes and van Gaal go way back when the Dutchman gave the Spaniard his Barcelona debut. The Spanish custodian had been training with Manchester United to improve his fitness for the past two months after suffering a serious knee ligament injury last March in Barcelona’s La Liga match against Celta Vigo.

Valdes is believed to have impressed his former manager once again during that training period and van Gaal may decide to make the move permanent soon.

Valdes’ signing will cast a doubt on Anders Lindegaard’s future as the United No. 2 has not played this season and played just three times the previous season.

What will happen to de Gea?

David de Gea has been linked with Real Madrid recently given his sensational performances in goal for United. However, he was not fazed when asked about Valdes training with the club.

He said in November, “Yes, my contract runs out in 2016, but they didn't sign him (Valdes) for that.

“Victor had a difficult injury, he had a bad time and the boss knows him well and has given him the opportunity to recover.

“Van Gaal knows him well because he gave Victor his debut at Barça and has a special affection for him and whenever possible we have to help where we can.

“Football is cruel at times, it's difficult. When things go well you're very good and when they go badly, well it's awful.”

It remains to be seen if Valdes is joining the Louis van Gaal’s new look Manchester United to replace de Gea or as competition to the 24-year-old.