Relief for Man United and Liverpool as Barcelona goalkeeper stays

Barcelona have distanced themselves from making a summer raid on the Premier League by claiming Victor Valdes will not leave at the end of the season.

Valdes surprised the club earlier this campaign by confirming his intention to leave Barcelona at the end of his contract.

His deal expires in 2014 but Barca were rumoured to be ready to sell him this summer in order to get a transfer fee.

This led to speculation they could make a move for Manchester United's David De Gea as a replacement, while Pepe Reina at Liverpool has been mentioned.

But the La Liga champions-elect insist Valdes is staying put and they are in no rush to sign a successor yet.

"We still need to make a decision, but we have plenty of time," Vice-President Josep Maria Bartomeu told Catalunya Radio.

"We don’t need a Valdes replacement immediately as he’s told us that he will leave in 2014. We consider Valdes to be the best goalkeeper in the world, but he doesn’t want to stay.

"When we sign a new goalkeeper we will thank Victor and let him go, but we hope he reconsiders before then."