Sergio Romero joins Serie A side Venezia for free

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero has joined Italian side Venezia on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old has been a free agent since leaving United in the summer and has held talks with a number of clubs in England and across Europe but has opted to sign for Venezia who are 17th in Serie A, just above the relegation places.

The Argentine has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season with the option of a further year if all goes well.

Venezia announced the move on Tuesday morning, with a club statement that read: ‘Venezia FC is pleased to announce the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 34, on a free transfer.

‘Romero is Argentina’s all-time most-capped goalkeeper and last played for Manchester United. Welcome, Sergio.’

Romero twice saw moves to Everton fall through over the past year and held talks with the likes of LaLiga sides Valencia and Granada plus the likes of Roma and Spezia but financial constraints played a part in those clubs looking to recruit from elsewhere.

The Argentina international had proved an able deputy for David de Gea at United but had grown frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities while the emergence of Dean Henderson also played a part in his departure.

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Romero’s wife had even expressed her frustration on social media when United blocked a move to Everton last year after changing their demands on a proposed loan.

Everton had offered to cover his £100,000-a-week wages and pay a £2m loan fee but United then demanded a permanent £8m fee when he had one year left on contract.