Van Gaal may have chosen De Gea replacement already.
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Manchester United gossip
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal may already have made a decision on his new number one goalkeeper for next season as David de Gea reportedly closes in on a move to Real Madrid.
The Dutchman has a big task on his hands this summer as Real show a strong interest in signing De Gea, who is expected to make the move to the Bernabeu for around £25m this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The report from the Star adds that United may not even look to the transfer market to solve their goalkeeping woes, as Van Gaal is said to be ready to make Victor Valdes first choice for the 2015/16 season.
The former Barcelona man moved to Old Trafford in the middle of this season just gone, and played in the final two games of the club’s season in draws with Arsenal and Hull City.
It was in the final game against Hull that Valdes impressed, making some great reflex saves to keep the score at 0-0 as the Red Devils faced a difficult tie against a team desperately fighting to avoid relegation on the final day of the season – which they ultimately didn’t manage to achieve.
A source has now been quoted as informing Star Sport that United would be content to make Valdes their new number one to replace De Gea, saying they are “relaxed” about the goalkeeping situation at the club.
The United insider said: “We have Victor Valdes waiting in the wings so we are quite relaxed about the goalkeeper situation.”
Although the Star adds that Valencia have shown interest in signing the 33-year-old Spaniard, the club will not be looking to let him go so soon after bringing him in on a free transfer.
Although losing De Gea will no doubt come as a big disappointment, United certainly have a potentially world class player in reserve if Valdes can get back to his best, with the shot-stopper proving a key part of Barcelona’s tremendous success during his long career at the Nou Camp.
Valdes is excellent with the ball at his feet, which is hugely important in the modern game, and will allow Van Gaal to play his preferred high line – and subsequently press from the front.