David De Gea Praises Victor Valdes Ahead Of His Potential Permanent Move To Manchester United

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea lavished praise on his compatriot Victor Valdes as claims the former Barcelona star may join Louis van Gaal's side on a free-transfer gathered pace.

The 32-year-old Spanish international is currently training at the United training ground in order to complete his rehabilitation from a knee injury he sustained in March.

After deciding against renewing his contract at the Camp Nou last June, the Spaniard agreed personal terms to move to Monaco earlier in the summer but the Ligue 1 side backed out after the keeper failed a medical.

Valdes has since become a free agent and after handing him a debut at Barcelona during his tenure at the Camp Nou, van Gaal recently opened the door over a reunion by signing him on a full-time basis once he complete his recovery.

"United always has their eyes open. [Valdes is] special because I've worked with him and we've retained our relationship, which is not always the case," van Gaal said when asked about the possibility to sign him.

While Valdes recently confirmed "he is almost ready" to return to action on his Twitter account, De Gea added fuel to the speculation by picking the former Barcelona star in his top five goalkeepers of all time.

"I love him", the Manchester United goalkeeper told MUTV. "He is a great keeper and a good person. I've worked with him with a lot for the national team."

As one of the best stoppers in the Premier League and probably the most consistent player at United over the last year and a half, however, De Gea isn't too concerned about having to fight for a place.