Manchester United star Victor Valdes has been left out of the club’s squad for their tour of America, reports the Daily Star.
This has come amid rumours that the 33-year-old is in talks with Turkish side Antalyaspor [Daily Mirror], and while agent Gines Carvajal has tried to downplay these stories [Manchester Evening News], being absent from the squad will surely add further credence to any transfer rumours.
“His only wishes are to remain at Manchester United and he has another year left on his contract,” Carvajal began.
“We don’t see any reason for him to leave the club. United are amongst the top two or three best teams in the world.
“Victor is keen to fight for a place next season and wants to help the club as much as he can.”
There have been no reports of an injury, and it is currently unknown why the former Spain international isn’t going to the USA with his teammates. If the ex-Barcelona man does leave Old Trafford it could be a major blow for the Red Devils.
SEE MORE
Manchester United transfer news
Man United reach verbal agreement on £21m South American star signing as LVG continues spending spree
Arsenal face Bayern Munich battle to sign Serie A wonderkid dubbed ‘new Paul Pogba’
Fellow goalkeeper David De Gea has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid [The Guardian], and if both the 24-year-old and Valdes were to depart, it would leave Anders Lindegaard as the only stopper in the squad. The Dane has played a paltry 29 times since arriving in the 2010/11 season.
One solution to this problem could be Tottenham star Hugo Lloris.
The 28-year-old has been linked by the Metro, and as one of the best stoppers in the Premier League he would be a great replacement for either De Gea or Valdes.
United will need to have a top class ‘keeper after deficiencies in their back line were exposed in the last campaign. Although they conceded just 37 goals last time round, this was largely due to the heroics of De Gea. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, and Jonny Evans all looked error-prone through the season, and the last of these three has recently been linked with a move away from the club, with Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion both keen on the Northern Irish international [International Business Times].