Manchester United could be set to launch a bid for Atletico Madrid defender Miranda in January, and could offer attacking midfielder Juan Mata as a part exchange option.
Louis Van Gaal is short on central defenders, to the extent that he has had to play youngster Tyler Blackett in the early matches of this season’s Premier League.
But a winter move for the Brazilian defender may be on the cards, having been identified last summer as one of the targets to replace the departed Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who left for Queens Park Rangers and Inter Milan respectively.
It would take a substantial bid from United to persuade Diego Simeone to part with a defender, who was instrumental in their La Liga title winning campaign last season as well as their venture to the Champions League final.
Interestingly, former Chelsea man Juan Mata could hold the key to any deal taking place. The Spaniard won’t be one of the first names on the team sheet anymore this season after the arrivals of Falcao and Angel Di Maria, so if his situation hasn’t changed by January then he may want to look elsewhere for first team football.
United will however face competition from Chelsea for the defender, who is now getting international recognition with Brazil under new head coach Dunga.
By Matthew Derrig
