Manchester United target Victor Valdes rejects Catalonia call amid Old Trafford offer talk

Victor Valdes has turned down the opportunity to play for the Catalan national team over the festive period amid suggestions he is close to signing a deal with Manchester United.

The former Barcelona goalkeeper has been working with Louis van Gaal's side at the club's Carrington training facilities since October, in his bid to complete his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in March.

The Dutchman has refused to rule out the possibility of Valdes signing a contract at Old Trafford once his recovery is complete and the goalkeeper's continued presence at the club has fuelled talk of an imminent agreement.

In a move that will heighten the transfer talk, the 32-year-old has refused an offer to represent Catalonia on 28 December against a Basque side in an exhibition match.

"Valdes cannot come or has chosen not to come," Gerard Lopez, the coach of the Catalan side, told Catalonia Radio when asked of the match taking place at Athletic Bilbao's San Mames station on 28 December.

"Pending the future, I opened the door for him to come but they [Valdes and his representatives] declined the proposal.

"He is a Catalan and a great goalkeeper and I support him. I do not know why, he has his reasons, but declined the proposal."

Catalan-based newspaper Sport also report United are growing increasingly confident of agreeing a deal with Valdes, who is expected to complete his rehabilitation in mid-January.

The 'keeper has reportedly turned down an offer from Mexican side Queretaro, who recently travelled to Europe with the hope of coaxing him into a move that would see him reunite with former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho.

But it would appear Valdes is focused on securing a move to Old Trafford.

After calling time on his 12-year career at the Nou Camp in the summer, Valdes was expected to sign for Monaco, only for the Ligue 1 side to pull the plug on the deal due to their concerns over the player's long-term fitness.

Marca recently reported Valdes has been locked in a battle for compensation with Monaco, which he is now close to winning – another development that could facilitate the signing of a contract at Old Trafford.