Atletico Madrid’s defender Miranda has put big European clubs on alert after it emerged that he is ready to leave Spain should he want to, and the front-runners for his signature are Chelsea and Manchester United.
United have long been rumoured to be close to signing the 30-year old Brazilian, but Jose Mourinho has hijacked any possible deal by putting Chelsea’s hat into the ring.
However, a big stumbling block to any transfer has been Atletico’s reluctance to sell the player, but sources close to the player have said that he has not only spoken with family and friends about leaving the club, but has also met with the clubs board to request a transfer.
This would mean the player has forced the clubs hand, but Atletico could still demand a hefty sum, knowing know that there will be a bidding war if his name comes onto the market.
United will still be strong favourites for his signature with Chelsea’s policy of a one-year contract for any player over the age of 30. And Louis van Gaal’s team will certainly be more thankful.
Wherever he ends up, it seems as though Miranda will not play at the Vicente Calderon again.