Manchester City’s search for a goalkeeper has led them to inquire about the availability of the former Manchester United and Barcelona player Víctor Valdés.

Valdés has been released by Manchester United having played only two first-team games after he was ostracised by the then United manager Louis van Gaal, who accused him of refusing to play in a reserve game. The former Barcelona No1 responded to Van Gaal’s criticism by posting a montage of photos on Twitter that showed a number of reserve-team matches he had played in.

Valdés had joined United while he continued his rehabilitation from a knee ligament injury and is now fully fit. The 34-year-old spent the last six months on loan at Standard Liège, where he played six times.

Were Valdés to join City he would reunite with Pep Guardiola, under whom he won La Liga and Champions League titles at Barcelona. His contract at United expires on 30 June.