Manchester United are set to announce the signing of former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on an 18-month contract.

– #360LIVE: Transfer Window – January 8 – rumours, updates and chat
– Barcelona coach Luis Enrique denies Lionel Messi row, insists job is safe

Valdes has been a free agent since leaving the Catalan giants last summer. The 32-year-old has been training with United for three months in order to help him recover from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in March. 

And the 20-times English champions will now sign the Spanish World Cup winner to provide competition for first choice David de
Gea.

It is understood Valdes has accepted a contract and an announcement could be made today.

The Barcelona youth product Valdes left the Nou Camp last year after spending almost two decades at the club. 

While at Barca the keeper won six domestic titles, three Champions Leagues and also lifted the Copa del Rey on two occasions.

The goalkeeper also won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the European Championship two years later. 

Valdes was a perennial presence throughout his spell at the Nou Camp, but he will find it hard to break into the United first team
because of De Gea’s superb form this season.

The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has excelled in several matches, most notably against Everton, Tottenham and Stoke.

But United manager Louis van Gaal knows Valdes well – he gave the Spaniard his debut during his second spell as Barca boss – and views the player as an excellent potential addition to his squad, particularly when he is availableon a free.

When asked in October whether he would consider signing Valdes if he returned to full fitness, Van Gaal gave a cryptic hint that it might be a possibility.

“Manchester United has always their eyes open,’’ the United manager said. 

Van Gaal’s back-up goalkeeper  Anders Lindegaard was linked with a move away from United in the summer and is yet to play a firstteam fixture this season.

United’s other two reserve options are Sam Johnstone, who is on loan at Doncaster, and 24-year-old Ben Amos.