Monday, 14th January, 2013
Barcelona are planning for Victor Valdes’ potential successor between the sticks, with Roma shot-stopper Maarten Stelekenburg and Manchester United custodian David de Gea the Catalan side’s preferred options.
The Spanish league leaders are ready to offer Valdes an extension to his current contract, but have, according to Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo, identified players who could succeed the shot-stopper.
Valdes’ preferred successor is De Gea, a goalkeeper Barcelona feel would have little difficulty settling into life in La Liga, given his background at Atletico Madrid before joining Manchester United.
De Gea has not entirely convinced at Old Trafford and it remains possible that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson may be willing to cash in on the Spain international.
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After De Gea, on Barcelona’s list is Dutchman Maarten Stekelenburg.
The former Ajax goalkeeper has struggled to win a starting spot at Roma under boss Zdenek Zeman, a situation which is causing the Dutchman real concern.
Stekelenburg would no doubt jump at the chance to move to the Camp Nou.
Barcelona have also looked at Bayern Munich goialkeeper Manuel Neuer, though he is considered extremely difficult to buy.
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