Victor Valdes joins Middlesbrough: Former Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper joins Boro on two year deal

Middlesbrough have confirmed they have signed Victor Valdes on a two-year deal and the goalkeeper becomes the Premier League newcomers' fifth signing of the summer transfer window.

The former Spain international spent his last 18 months at Manchester United, where he went on to make two first team appearances. He was behind his compatriot David de Gea, who was the first choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford.

Valdes was signed by Louis van Gaal in Janaury 2015, but the stopper had a fall-out with the Dutchman, which saw him stay out of the Red Devils' first team in the first half of the 2015/16 season. He joined Standard Liege on loan in January and his stay in Belgium was cut short as he was recalled by his parent club in April.

United released him this summer and following his exit from Old Trafford, he was wanted by Manchester City, according to the Daily Mail. Valdes worked under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona and the latter wanted the goalkeeper to join him at the Etihad. However, Valdes has snubbed advances from other clubs to join Boro.

A statement on Middlesbrough's official website read, "Middlesbrough have completed the signing of World Cup winning goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Boro beat off stiff competition to the land the Barcelona legend after an 18-month spell with Manchester United came to an end earlier this summer."

"Valdes, who has signed a two-year contract with the club, becomes the fifth signing of the summer, following Viktor Fischer, Bernardo Espinosa, Marten de Roon, and young central defender Jordan McGhee into the club."

Middlesbrough achieved promotion to the Premier League and their manager Aitor Karanka has expressed his delight following his side's capture of the World Cup winner. He said, "I'm really pleased because he is really committed. All the the conversations we've had he knows why he is here and he is coming to add to what we have."

"I'm really pleased because he is really committed. All the the conversations we've had he knows why he is here and he is coming to add to what we have.

"He knows how strong this group is. It's a privilege for us to be able to bring a player like this to the club."