Joao Miranda de Souza Filho is flattered to be linked with a move to Manchester United, but insists he has no plans to leave Atletico Madrid.
Louis van Gaal is widely expected to target a new central defender when the transfer window reopens, with widespread reports claiming Mats Hummels is his first choice want. But although it appears likely that the German international will leave Borussia Dortmund, competition for his signature will be intense and he could end up costing as much as £40million.
A likely cheaper option would be Miranda, who was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the current season. The 30-year-old, who has 13 caps for Brazil, helped Atletico win La Liga title last season when he made 32 appearances, but he has featured just 18 times in their defence of the crown as he was ruled out on two separate occasions due to a muscular injury.
Miranda, who has been at the Vicente Calderon since 2011, has made a total of 170 appearances for Los Rojiblancos in all competitions, and also has a UEFA Europa League and a Copa del Rey to show for his efforts as well as last season’s title success. His current contract runs until the summer of 2016, but he has been linked with a £20million move to United when the window reopens.
The 6ft 1in player, who has also represented Coritiba and Sao Paolo in his homeland and French club Sochaux, admits he is flattered by such speculation, but he has no intention of leaving Atletico. Miranda told Estadao: “Of course this news reaches me, and it makes me happy. It shows I am doing well. It makes me proud, but my intention is to stay at Atletico Madrid.”
