Victor Valdes to Manchester United: Former Barcelona goalkeeper signs two-year deal at Old Trafford, according to reports

Former Barca No 1 had been training at Carrington earlier this season

United’s manager, Louis van Gaal, gave Victor Valdes his Barcelona debut as a 20-year-old in 2002 (Getty Images)

Manchester United have completed the signing of former Barcelona No 1 Victor Valdes, according to reports.

The club will announce the arrival of the Spanish goalkeeper after he agreed a two-year deal, claim the Daily Mail.

Valdes, 32, had been training with Louis van Gaal's squad for the last two months - a free agent after his release from Barcelona in July, the goalkeeper has been recovering from a serious knee injury.

Valdes, who played more than 500 matches for Barcelona following his debut in 2002, will become the No 2 to David De Gea, with the Dutch coach not considering current understudy Anders Lindegaard good enough.

While at Barcelona the goalkeeper 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 an ever-present 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 available on 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 backup goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was linked with a move away from United in the summer and is yet to play a first-team fixture this season.

United's other two reserve options are Sam Johnstone, who is on loan at Doncaster, and 24-year-old Ben Amos, who was criticised by the United boss for letting in Miralem Pjanic's 60-yard lob against Roma in pre-season.

Additional reporting from PA