Man United are hoping to beat Chelsea to the signing of Joao Miranda in January. The Atletico Madrid defender played a key part in his side’s rise to glory last season and the Red Devils are keen on bringing him to Old Trafford.
Both United and Chelsea were interested in the centre-back over the summer, but no move materialised, with the Brazilian preferring to stay in Spain. However, Louis Van Gaal is once again ready to test the 30-year old’s resolve by making a fresh new bid in January.
The bid will reportedly be worth £18m and reports are also claiming that LVG even spoke to Man United power-breakers to tell them to sign Miranda at all costs, as the Red Devils look to strengthen their leaky defence.
Atletico’s president Enrique Cerezo has refused to comment on the matter but it is believed that the offer may be too good for the La Liga side to resist. Early reports had even claimed that Juan Mata could be sent to Madrid as part of a deal, but those reports have now been denied, with United instead preferring a cash-only deal.
United have had to cope with the loss of three defenders in Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic and if they can secure a deal, it could be a much needed boost for the Red Devils, with the club’s defence conceding 13 goals so far and looking extremely shaky at times.
By Charlie Gregory
Follow me on Twitter – @CharlieGreg15
