Van Gaal isolating Valdes from Man Utd first-team

In what is a freaky state of affairs, it is believed that Valdes has been ordered not to turn up to Carrington when the first-team squad is training.

Two weeks ago, Van Gaal decided Valdes would train on his own, working exclusively with the Under-21, Under-18 and academy goalkeeping coaches when the club’s other keepers and first-team players are not around. Victor Valdes has already proven he is still capable of having stellar performances in the Premier League.

Valdes was signed on a free transfer as cover for David De Gea last season following his release from the Nou Camp.

However, it remains unlikely that Van Gaal would sell a player of Valdes’s caliber to a direct rival, especially considering that the Spaniard still has some quality left in him.

Obviously any potential permanent deal couldn’t take place until January and by that point Courtois could be available again, but Chelsea could apply to the FA for permission to sign Valdes on an initial emergency loan.

Last season, Liverpool were said to be in for nearly every decent goalkeeper on the continent, as the team searched for a back up to Simon Mignolet.

Not according to one report, which claims Liverpool are plotting a move for a United outcast. He was Barcelona’s first choice keeper for over a decade and has won practically everything there is to win in football, so he’d bring a huge amount of quality and experience.

While Valdes’ toxic relationship with United has been pleasing for Liverpool fans, it’s unlikely that he’ll ever come to Liverpool.