Man Utd linked with Valdes move as keeper's Barca contract talks collapse

17 June 2009 12:01
Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been offered the chance to join Manchester United on a free transfer next summer, according to reports in Spain. The 27-year-old's agent Gines Carvajal and the club yesterday suspended talks on renewing his contract because of a vast difference in their value of the player. Valdes wants £150,000 a week - similar to the figure Spain midfielder Xavi picks up - while Barca are reluctant to go above £100,000 for a man who has been consistently overlooked by his country. After being faced with links to United last week, Carvajal insisted Valdes did not want to leave the Nou Camp - but he may now have to reassess. Barca were prepared to offer extra performance-related payments based on appearances, clean sheets and trophies, but both sides have retreated to reconsider their positions. Spanish newspaper AS reports that United have made an offer for him to join at the end of next season and may be willing to meet his demands because he would be available on a Bosman free. However, £150,000 would break their current pay structure and the club have high hopes that England international Ben Foster will eventually replace Edwin van der Sar. The 38-year-old Holland keeper is expected to retire at the end of the season. Barcelona have already lined up replacements for Valdes, with Liverpool's Spain keeper Pepe Reina are their radar.

Source: Daily_Mail