Rumour: Liverpool lead the race to sign Victor Valdes

Premier League outfit Liverpool are leading the race to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the summer, according to reports in the Express.

The 32-year-old Spaniard is expected to call time on his stay at the Nou Camp after 12 years with the La Liga side to seek a new challenge during the twilight years of his playing career.

Although he is still the club’s first choice goalkeeper, he has chosen to run down the remainder of his contract and leave on a free transfer after the conclusion of the current campaign and is expected to receive a number of offers across the continent.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are both reportedly interested, but Liverpool are now amongst the favourites to sign the Spain international after they lodged a new proposal to the shot stopper, although the terms of the deal remain unclear.

Merseysiders boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to view Valdes as a significant improvement on the options he currently he has at his disposal, including Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who he brought to Anfield from Sunderland in a £9 million deal last summer.

Liverpool are in a strong position to finish in a top four spot that would secure qualification to next season’s Champions League and Valdes’ experience in the competition, having won the trophy on three occasions with Barcelona, could be a key factor behind Rodgers’ decision to push for a deal.