Victor Valdes: Manchester United goalkeeper offered escape route out of Old Trafford by Espanyol

The former Barcelona goalkeeper has effectively been 'exiled' at Old Trafford

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been offered an escape route out of Old Trafford by Espanyol.

The former Barcelona player is currently ‘exiled’, denied a club locker and training alone at Carrington following a pre-season row with manager Louis van Gaal.

Espanyol are, however, keen on acquiring Valdes' services and have offered to bring him back to his native Spain.

Valdes, who has made two appearances for United since joining in January, is accused of refusing to play for the reserve team and thus failing to follow the club's 'philosophy'.

"When you are not willing to follow the principles of the philosophy, then there is only one way and that is out," Van Gaal said during the club’s tour of the United States in July.

"It is a big disappointment. We thought that he would follow our philosophy.

"It is a pity because we have given him the opportunity to rehabilitate, gave him a contract and then he is fit to play."

A move to Espanyol, the city of Barcelona’s other major club, would see Valdes return to the city where he won six La Liga, two Copa del Rey and two Champions League titles.

The 33-year-old has also caught the attention of Newcastle United, who are suffering from a dearth of quality goalkeeping options following a serious injury to first-choice Tim Krul.