Victor Valdes to leave United in January — agent

Victor Valdes’ difficult spell at Manchester United is set to end in January, according to his agent.

The ex-Barcelona goalkeeper has only made two appearances since joining the Red Devils in January after recovering from knee surgery. Valdes has had a strained relationship with United manager Louis van Gaal and was not given a squad number for the 2015-16 campaign.

When asked about Valdes’ future, his agent Gines Carvajal said: “He’ll have a chance (to play) in January, wherever he goes. He needs to go to a place he feels is right for him.”

Carvajal does not envision the 33-year-old Spaniard returning to his home country to play.

“He won’t be coming to Spain, unless he decides otherwise,” he said.

Valdes, a Euro 2012 winner with Spain, becomes a free agent next summer. He is a reported target of Newcastle United, who are looking to strengthen their backline after losing their first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul to a serious knee injury at the weekend.