Liverpool transfer blow? Injured Valdes to train with Man United

Liverpool look to have missed out on January target Victor Valdes, with confirmation the former Barcelona goalkeeper will begin training with rivals Manchester United.

The 32-year-old stopper had his 19-year spell with the La Liga giants cruelly cut short back in March after tearing his Anterior cruciate ligament during a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo.

Valdes’ injury meant a planned move to French moneybags Monaco at the end of the 2013/14 season fell through, and the free agent has been without a club ever since.

Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for the experienced Champions League-winning stopper when the transfer window reopens, as current No.1 Simon Mignolet continues to struggle in the Anfield net.

However, United confirmed on Thursday that Valdes had accepted an invitation from manager Louis van Gaal, with the Spaniard set to continue his recovery with the club before training with the first team.

A statement the Red Devils’ official website read: “Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has offered the 32-year-old former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes a chance to complete his rehabilitation from a knee injury and to work his way back to fitness with the club.

“Valdes, a free agent, will have his recovery supervised by the United medical staff before training with the first team, as he bids to regain full fitness.”

Van Gaal gave Valdes his Barcelona debut as a 20-year-old in 2002, but the keeper played under the Dutchman for just six months before he left his post as manager.

Valdes won six Primera Division and three Champions League titles during his time at Barca.