Manchester United: Victor Valdes set for Old Trafford return after Standard Liege cut short loan spell

Standard Liege have decided to terminate Victor Valdes' loan spell at the club, which will see the goalkeeper return to Manchester United before the end of the season. The 34-year-old stopper joined the Belgian club on a temporary basis in January this year after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.

The former Barcelona star joined the Red Devils in early 2015 on a free transfer after he was released by the Catalans following the expiry of his contract. He was initially touted to provide backup for David de Gea, but made just two appearances for the first-team in his one-year with the club.

Valdes and Louis van Gaal had a major falling out following his refusal to turn up for an U21 clash, which led to the Dutch manager alienating him from the first-team squad. He was not allowed to train with the senior squad, which led to a move during this year's January transfer window.

The Old Trafford club have the option of extending the goalkeeper's contract by a further year in the summer, but it is likely to depend on Van Gaal's future at the club. However, according to Spanish publication Sport, the Spain international is keen to remain in England and has told his agent to find him a club in the Premier League. He is highly experienced and could be an asset to a number of clubs in the English top-flight.

Liege, who won the Belgian Cup with the Spaniard in goal, have decided to give opportunities to youth players until the end of the season. This led to them cutting his loan spell short, while also confirming the release of Greek midfielder Giannis Maniatis.

"As we decided to give more playing time to the youth players at the end of the season and because they couldn't be selected for medical reasons, the Spanish goalkeeper and the Greek midfielder have decided, in agreement with the club, to finish their loans at the end of this week," a statement from the club read, as quoted by the Guardian.

"Standard Liege want to thank Giannis and Victor for everything they did for our club, especially during the successful campaign on the way to winning the Belgian Cup. We also wish them the best in the rest of their professional careers."