Man Utd News: Keeper agent hits out, Spain star's stay, Gareth Bale deal off the table

Sam Johnstone's agent says Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is holding his client back

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Sam Johnstone's agent has hit out at Manchester United for holding his client back.

The young United stopper is one of four goalkeepers at Old Trafford following the collapse of David de Gea's move to Real Madrid.

 

And the 22-year-old's representative, Jordan Spiegel, slammed manager Louis van Gaal for not letting the youngster leave before the transfer window closed.

“Sam just wants to play football but Manchester United are holding him back and not even playing him,” he said.

His claims come amid speculation surrounding the future of Victor Valdes, who has hinted that he is happy to stay at the club.

 

Valdes, who saw a move to Besiktas fall through on transfer deadline day, took to Twitter to thanks fans for their support.

"No matter what happens. The only way I know is to work hard every day. 

"Thank you all for your support," the 33-year-old said.

That's despite him being omitted from the Champions League squad and not being handed a squad number for the current campaign.

 

No matter what happens. The only way I know is to work hard every day. Thank you all for your support ! #mufc pic.twitter.com/Jj3GRKzPnU

— Victor Valdes (@1victorvaldes) September 3, 2015

Johnstone was named ahead of Valdes for their upcoming European adventure, along with David de Gea and Sergio Romero.

Elsewhere, United appear to have been dealt a blow in their long-running pursuit of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

The Welshman, 26, has long been linked with a switch to Old Trafford but the fall-out after the De Gea deal went sour might have put paid to any future deal.

The Daily Star report that a source close the club said: "I don't think they (Real Madrid) will be too keen to do business with us again considering the way this has gone."