As Manchester United receive a goalkeeping boost, neighbours Manchester City’s struggles to find a reliable deputy for Joe Hart, 26, continue.
Willy Caballero, 34, is deemed surplus to requirements after a poor showing in the Premier League when needed last season. Despite being pivotal in City’s League Cup run, new boss Pep Guardiola is unconvinced by the former Malaga goalkeeper.
Instead, he is turning to Victor Valdes, 34. The pair worked together at Barcelona and enjoyed huge success during the Catalans golden era. Their haul included three La Liga titles and two Champions League wins – defeating Manchester United in both finals.
Whilst Guardiola went on to enjoy more success at Bayern Munich, Valdes endured a turbulent time at Old Trafford. A very public disagreement with then-manager, Louis Van Gaal, led to claims that the Spaniard lacked commitment and was unprofessional.
Having played just twice for United in the Premier League, the Dutch manager claimed that Valdes refused to play in a reserve match. Valdes disputed this and used social media to circulate photos of him at other reserve games.
A loan spell in Belgium with Standard Liege saw him play six times but crucially maintain his fitness and now Pep Guardiola is interested in taking the player to the Etihad following his release by Manchester United.
City aren’t the only club with trouble finding a reserve goalkeeper. Unhappy at not being able to usurp Thibault Courtois, 24, from the Chelsea starting line-up, Asmir Begovic, 28, is set to leave Stamford Bridge with the club’s blessing. The Blues are in talks with Marseille’s Steve Mandanda, 31, and are hopeful the French international will join as a replacement.
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