Five Premier League destinations for Man Utd misfit Valdes
Published:
Lee Gormley | October 27, 2015
Valdes puts Premier League clubs on red alert
After arriving at Old Trafford this year from Barcelona, Manchester United misfit Victor Valdes has become a truly frustrated figure under Louis van Gaal, the coach that handed the shot stopper his senior debut at the Nou Camp.
It looked increasingly likely that David de Gea would depart for Real Madrid in the summer, leaving less competition for Valdes to force his way into the Red Devils side, but Van Gaal has shunned the Spaniard completely after just two outings.
After his evident overlooking within the Man Utd ranks, who are 13/2 with Coral for the Premier League title, Valdes’ agent has outlined the intentions of this previously highly-rated goalkeeper.
“We are relying on Manchester United letting Victor go,” Valdes’ agent Gines Carvajal declared. “Valdes want to stay in the Premier League because he has adapted.
“There are still two months until the transfer window opens and there is nothing concrete, but the intention is to leave Manchester United.”
Following such comments from Valdes’ representative, here are five potential top-flight destinations for the three-time Champions League winning goal guard.
Newcastle United
With reliant Toon number one Tim Krul having been ruled out for the season, after suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament on international duty with the Netherlands, timing could be perfect for both parties regarding a Valdes switch.
Steve McClaren recently stated that Krul was worth 20 points this season, but Valdes would undoubtedly provide stern cover between the sticks if a deal was to be struck in January.
Van Gaal clearly has no desire to involve Valdes this term, while the Magpies are in desperate need of a new shot stopper, with all signs pointing to a potential winter switch to the Northeast for this out-of-favour Spanish stopper.
Watford
With plenty of funds seemingly available for Quique Sanchez Flores, Watford could splash more of the Pozzo family’s cash for Valdes this season, in a bid to bolster their hopes of staying in the top-flight, but they are 11/2 to face relegation.
The Hornets actually possess, maybe surprisingly, one of the better defensive records within the Premier League at this early stage, but Valdes’ experience would provide great competition for current number one Heurelho Gomes.
Aston Villa
Despite having featured only twice for United’s senior set-up, Valdes still has the talent to do a top job and help any team facing the drop avoid such a disastrous campaign ending. Former Lyon boss Remi Garde looks set to be appointed at the Villa Park helm, and Valdes could become one of his first signings in January.
Sunderland
Sam Allardyce recently took charge of the Black Cats after Dick Advocaat departed Wearside, and the former West Ham United coach could once again look to experienced heads to help guide his inherited side to top tier safety.
During his previous spells with the likes of the Hammers, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, Allardyce utilised ageing Spanish stars such as Ivan Campo, Fernando Hierro and Michel Salgado during his days in the Northwest. Valdes could be the latest experienced player to arrive under his reign and help revive form and fortunes at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool
The Reds were previously tipped to acquire Valdes, but whether their bitter rivals United would be willing to enter negotiations is debatable, with the Merseysiders 5/2 to clinch a top four spot this term.
Jurgan Klopp was recently appointed at Anfield and has shown faith in current stopper Simon Mignolet so far, but could the Belgian’s proneness to high-profile errors see Liverpool revive their interest in Valdes next year?
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