Barcelona Keeper Interested In Manchester City Move - Report

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is considering a move to Manchester City at the end of the season, according to Spain's biggest newspaper.

Valdes's contract with Barcelona expires this summer and although it looked as though he was going to sign for Monaco, Marca reports he is considering City as an alternative- especially if the French club does not get a place in next season's Champions League.

Manuel Pellegrini has sat Joe Hart on the bench in favour of Costel Pantilimon in the last few games, and the Chilean manager is considering signing another goalkeeper for next season. He is monitoring the situation of his old No1 at Malaga, Willy Caballero, but getting Valdes for free could be a better deal.

According to Marca, someone close to Victor Valdes offered the player to Manchester City last summer, when it was revealed that he would not extend his contract with the Catalonian team. However Pellegrini declined the offer because he wanted a closer look at Hart, who was previously the undisputed first choice for both City and England.

Although the situation at the Etihad Stadium has now changed, City do not want to make a definite move until the end of the season. Marca also claims that Pellegrini has considered Iker Casillas, who is currently not playing for Real Madrid in the league, but he thinks that the Real Madrid keeper would not suit the Premier League.

City's biggest obstacle in the signing of Valdes appears to be Monaco, who have reportedly already made an offer of around £8m a season, plus bonus, to secure the goalkeeper's signature.

Valdes has recognised that the French club is a good option, but he wants to wait until the end of the season to make a final decision.

Then, the key for him could be which team, Monaco or City, get a place in the next Champions League. City are currently 8th in the Premier League and well outside the qualifying places while Monaco sit third and well in contention to autmatically qualify.