Manchester United will allow Victor Valdes to leave for free on one condition

No matter what club you support, you have to feel a little bit sorry for Victor Valdes.

Going from six La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and three Champions League winner's medals to being forbidden from training with the first team is not something any player should have to endure. But the Spanish stopper's hellish time at Manchester United could be about to come to an end. It's being reported in today's Mirror that Louis van Gaal is happy to let the former Barcelona man leave... but only if he doesn't join a Premier League rival. Liverpool are thought to be interested in Valdes as more serious competition for current number one Simon Mignolet and with the Reds having already conceded nine goals this season, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for some elite-level experience at the back. Chelsea would also be interested in a more reliable goalkeeper than Asmir Begovic who hasn't been particularly solid since stepping in for the injured Thibaut Courtois. But United are going to hold firm and await an offer from a club that's not a direct rival before they consider cancelling his contract. That's strange. It's not like Louis van Gaal to be stubborn.