Free agent Victor Valdes is battling to be fit for the January transfer window.
The former Barcelona goalkeeper is currently training with Manchester United following knee surgery last season.
The Daily Mail says the 32-year-old was being tipped to make a comeback in light of David de Gea's finger dislocation last week but sources at United say the posterior cruciate injury Valdes suffered is worse than first feared and tests are showing his knee is not yet up to the rigours of a Barclays Premier League game.
Although he is still expected to make a full recovery, his chances of signing and playing by Christmas look slim.
