Manchester United launch formal bid to Victor Valdes to secure first January signing

Manchester United have made an official one-and-a-half-year contract offer to goalkeeper Victor Valdes in order to secure his services, according to reports in Spain.

The former Barcelona legend has been based at the club's Carrington training facilities since October. United manager Louis van Gaal, who handed him his first-team debut at the Camp Nou, offered Valdes the chance to complete his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in March.

After deciding to put an end to his successful 12-year spell at Barcelona, the 'keeper was expected to sign for Monaco last summer. However, the Ligue 1 side backed out of the deal due to their concerns over the player's long-term fitness.

As a free agent, Valdes has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and United.

Asked recently whether United would sign the 'keeper on a permanent deal as soon he regains his form, Van Gaal angrily said: "[If Liverpool are interested] he goes to Liverpool. The media are suggesting and that's a big mistake. That's why I'm always angry because you are inventing stories. There are no stories.

"He is training here. I give him the possibility to do that. We shall see."

But Mundo Deportivo now claims the Valdes transfer soap opera is set to end with him ultimately joining United.

According to the Catalan-based newspaper, the Premier League giants have already made the keeper a contract offer and he is considering whether to accept the deal.

Mundo Deportivo claims Valdes is closing in on his return to action and has passed a number of medicals at Old Trafford in recent weeks.

Spanish newspaper believes Valdes "is very close to becoming" United's first January addition.