Van Gaal on Liverpool’s chances to land Manchester United top target

Victor Valdes Manchester United
Victor Valdes Manchester United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has commented on the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Victor Valdes, the former Barcelona goal keeper.

Valdes, who is a free agent at the moment, is currently training with the Manchester United first team squad to regain his full fitness, following his serious knee injury.

Spanish media are almost convinced that Valdes will join Manchester United, when the transfer window re-opens in January. Catalan newspaper Sport, for instance, are absolutely certain that Van Gaal, under whom Valdes made his club debut, will sign him for free in the winter transfer market.

From our last article on Victor Valdes transfer saga:

The newspaper claim that Valdes is on his final stages of recovery and would be ready to take the pitch around mid-January. Van Gaal wants to add more competition in the side, although Valdes will serve mainly as a deputy to first choice goal keeper David de Gea, who has been outstanding this season for the Red Devils.

De Gea has been instrumental in United’s recent run of good forms, where they managed six straight wins, while his heroic performances against Liverpool has been highly praised by the Spanish press. It will be difficult for Valdes to replace De Gea, though in all probability Van Gaal will be looking to shuffle the two keepers efficiently.

It seems like Van Gaal has become frustrated with constant speculation on Valdes’ future. He said in the press conference ahead of United’s match against Aston Villa:

“I’m angry with the media because they invent stories that are not real. Valdés is training here, I have given him the opportunity to prepare and later we’ll see what happens,”

When asked about the alleged interest from arch rivals Liverpool, the Dutchman added: “If Liverpool are interested, he goes to Liverpool.” 

Liverpool were linked with Valdes few months’ back but the interest in the Spaniard had died down, ever since the former Barcelona goal keeper started training with United. In fact, Van Gaal gave subtle hints (if you read through the lines) that United will try to secure a deal for him (we’ll see what happens). Sergio Romero, the Sampdoria goal keeper and Fiorentina’s Neto have been linked with the Reds recently.

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