The 24-year-old Los Che number two faced renewed competition for a place at the Mestalla following the arrival of Timo Hildebrand, with veteran Santiago Canizares still the undoubted first choice for Valencia.

A short statement on Real's website confirmed: "The first new face this summer is a goalkeeper.

"Ludovic Butelle will wear the white and violet jersey next season, after an agreement between Real Valladolid and Valencia, his parent club."

Butelle has been with Valencia for three seasons, having moved to Spain from Metz in the summer of 2004.