Manchester United Transfer News: Victor Valdes Medical, Contract Talks Planned

Manchester United will offer Victor Valdes a contract if he proves his fitness after completing his rehabilitation with the club.

The latest comes via Miguel Delaney of ESPN, who suggested a "club source" has let it slip that Louis van Gaal is looking to sign the Spanish goalkeeper. Delaney noted there has been "weeks of contact" between Valdes and United's goalkeeping coach Frank Hoek. The Red Devils will "stage the first medical tests in the next few days," per Delaney.

Valdes hasn't played since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in March and is currently available as a free agent. The 32-year-old stopper, who won 21 trophies in 12 years with Barcelona, was reported to be interesting Liverpool before United offered him the chance to train, per Metro.

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He could provide top quality back up for David De Gea if he does manage to find a stretch of health, although Valdes' arrival would likely mean the end for Anders Lindegaard. The Danish stopper reportedly considered a move away in the summer, but he could now be forced through the door. He is yet to make a competitive appearance under Van Gaal.

United fans will certainly hope there's nothing more insidious to Valdes' potential transfer. De Gea continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, reported by Kicker and via Simon Jones of the Daily Mail. Although the player insists he is "happy" at Old Trafford, per Jones, he also left room for interpretation when saying, "without a doubt, United have to reach the Champions League again."

Should United fail to do so—a very real possibility at this stage—and Madrid send over a mega bid, it's likely De Gea would have a decision to make. That is, of course, if United can't get him to pen a new long-term contract before the end of the season. Jones suggested they are in the process of trying to tie him down.

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Valdes is one of the world's best goalkeepers when fit. WhoScored.com posted stats to jog the memory about the Spanish international:

Alex Shaw of ESPN also noted a stat which may bring two future team-mates together:

Question marks have remained over Lindegaard's long-term credentials as United back-up. He is a decent 'keeper, someone who has made impressive saves for the club, but he doesn't possess the reflexes of De Gea or leadership skills of Valdes. His inevitable exit is likely to surprise very few.

Van Gaal would be smart to add Valdes, his former Barca colleague, to the squad. More and more clubs are choosing to have more than one quality 'keeper on their books. Manchester City have Joe Hart and Willy Caballero, Chelsea have Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech and Tottenham have Hugo Lloris, Michel Vorm and Brad Friedel. United need a dependable No. 2 who can easily slot into the team if De Gea picks up an injury, or worse yet, a phone call from the Spanish capital.