Manchester United: Victor Valdes to complete January move to Espanyol

Victor Valdes is set to put an end to his forgettable run with Manchester United, having secured a free transfer to Espanyol in January. The former Barcelona man has made only one start since joining the Red Devils last January after getting into a major tussle with manager Louis van Gaal.

Goal reports that the deal is on the verge of completion, which should be welcome news for both parties involved, who have been at loggerheads over the course of the campaign. Valdes was on the verge of leaving United last summer but a move broke down, leaving him to spend time with the reserves.

The Spaniard is overwhelmed at the prospect of returning to Barcelona where his family currently lives with United willing to allow him to terminate his contract six months before it is due. Valdes has won six league titles and three Champions Leagues with Espanyol's more decorated local rivals Barcelona but with first team opportunities hard to come by in top teams, he is delighted to return to base and strike a balance between his work and personal life.

The goalkeeper has received support from a lot of players in the Spanish fraternity including Xavi, who is currently plying his trade in Qatar with Al Sadd SC. The Barcelona legend wants the keeper to make his way out of United given the current situation and insists that he would rather be on the pitch than off it.

"[Van Gaal and Valdes] are two strong characters, but it's a difficult situation for Victor," Xavi said, as quoted by Goal. "Let's hope he finds a solution soon. I'm sad for him. He's a great professional, a good person. He's training, he's working hard. He'll return to football. It's better for Victor to be playing football."

David de Gea has, in the meantime, taken his rightful position between the sticks at United where he has been marshalling the meanest defence in the league, with the Red Devils conceding only eight goals thus far.

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