Manchester United: Chelsea want to sign Victor Valdes on an emergency loan

Jose Mourinho has earmarked Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes as an emergency loan option given the paucity of goalkeepers at his disposal. Valdes has made only one Premier League start over the past year he has been at Old Trafford, having fallen out of favour with the manager.

Thibaut Courtois is currently out with a long-term injury and the Portuguese manager is worried that an injury or suspension to Asmir Begovic can derail their season. 21-year-old Jamal Blackman is presently Begovic's understudy, having made only one senior appearance thus far with the Blues.

The Daily Mail reports that Mourinho is therefore keen on making a loan move for Valdes, but Louis van Gaal is unlikely to accede to his request, given the rivalry between the two clubs. Allowing Valdes to leave would account to strengthening a title rival.

The Blues have to file a special petition with the FA to allow them to make an emergency signing outside the transfer window proving that they do not have sufficient cover in that position and any further lapses would make it very difficult for them to field a proper starting eleven. Juan Pablo Carrizo from Inter Milan, Miguel Angel Moya at Atletico Madrid and Porto keeper Helton have all been shortlisted should a move for Valdes break down owing to differences between the two clubs.

Chelsea will take heart from the fact that there are examples of similar instances taking place in the last few years, with Manchester City being allowed to sign Martin Fulop from Sunderland after proving beyond doubt that their situation under the current circumstances can be deemed exceptional. However, Newcastle were not allowed to bring in a senior goalkeeper last season following injuries to Tim Krul and Rob Elliot as they had three young goalkeepers listed on their payroll.

Earlier, Van Gaal had publicly revealed that he was not impressed with Valdes' attitude and his insistence on not conforming with the manager's philosophy. The goalkeeper, however, failed to complete a move out of the club this summer.