The outcast goalkeeper is keen to sort out his future, and has spoken to one club in Spain while also keeping his options open regarding another Premier League move
EXCLUSIVE
The Spanish goalkeeper was sent on loan to Standard Liege in January with the expectation that he would see out the final six months of his United contract with the Belgian side.
But while he officially returned to the Red Devils in late April after Standard decided they no longer required the 34-year-old, Valdes has been conspicuous by his absence from United’s Carrington training complex, according to Goal sources.
And now it has been confirmed by sources in Catalunya that the former Barcelona goalkeeper’s advisors have had a number of meetings with Espanyol with a view to a transfer in the summer.
READ MORE | Man Utd scouts watch PSG
Valdes had been confident of closing a deal with Los Periquitos in the autumn, but Espanyol eventually decided to continue with Pau Lopez in goal. However, they have now returned to the table and could well bring in the 20-time Spain No.1.
An extension to Valdes’ Premier League career might yet be possible though, with the goalkeeper said to be open to the thought of signing a deal with another English outfit, despite his ordeal at Old Trafford.
Valdes originally arrived at United in the autumn of 2014 to train his way back towards fitness following the knee injury that signalled the end of his Barcelona career.
After signing an 18-month deal with the Old Trafford side he made only two first-team appearances before being ostracised by manager Louis van Gaal for an alleged refusal to play in an under-21 fixture.