Former Barcelona keeper Valdes close to joining Manchester United

And Press Association Sport understands the 20-time English champions will now sign the Spanish World Cup winner to provide competition for first choice David de Gea.

It is understood an agreement with Valdes is close and an announcement could be made shortly by the club.

Barca youth product Valdes left the Nou Camp last year after spending almost two decades at the club.

While at Barcelona the goalkeeper won six domestic titles, three Champions Leagues and also lifted the Copa del Rey on two occasions.

The goalkeeper also won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the European Championship two years later.

Valdes was an ever-present throughout his spell at the Nou Camp, but he will find it hard to break into the United first team because of De Gea's superb form this season.

The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has excelled in several matches, most notably against Everton, Tottenham and Stoke.

But United manager Louis van Gaal knows Valdes well - he gave the Spaniard his debut during his second spell as Barca boss - and views the player as an excellent potential addition to his squad, particularly when he is available on a free.

When asked in October whether he would consider signing Valdes if he returned to full fitness, Van Gaal gave a cryptic hint that it might be a possibility.

"Manchester United has always their eyes open," the United manager said.

Van Gaal's backup goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was linked with a move away from United in the summer and is yet to play a first-team fixture this season.

United's other two reserve options are Sam Johnstone, who is on loan at Doncaster, and 24-year-old Ben Amos, who was criticised by the United boss for letting in Miralem Pjanic's 60-yard lob against Roma in pre-season.

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