Manchester United Target Miranda Now Says He Will Stay At Atletico

Atletico Madrid centre-back Joao Miranda has claimed he is finally going to stay at the Vicente Calderon next season – even though recent reports claimed he had agreed personal terms with Manchester United regarding a summer move to Old Trafford.

New United boss Louis van Gaal had made defensive reinforcements a top priority following the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and Miranda was expected to become the new leader of the back-line.

Several Spanish newspapers last month claimed the Brazilian was indeed on the verge of completing his move to Old Trafford – with United almost trebling his salary at the Vicente Calderon to outbid Barcelona.

Miranda himself confirmed he was ready to move away and even claimed that his €30m (£24m) release clause could be brought down.

"I have some offers and we are negotiating. I have offers from Spanish and English leagues and from some less important ones too. My agent is in Europe to decide my future, my buy-out fee at Atletico Madrid is €30m but that can be negotiated," he said.

However, Atletico eventually refused to negotiate a cut-price deal and told Manchester United to meet his release clause – as they have also done with Chelsea for Diego Costa and Filipe Luis.

And with United unlikely to match the La Liga side's demands it looks like the negotiations are now completely stalled.

Furthermore, according to Marca, the player himself has confirmed he has changed his mind and is now likely to stay at Atletico Madrid.

Miranda has already started the pre-season with Diego Simeone's side and, questioned by supporters about his future, he said: "Don't worry. I will stay here."

Even though he was surprisingly excluded from Brazil's World Cup squad, Miranda played an influential role in helping Atletico claim the La Liga title, marshalling the best defence in the Spanish top flight last season alongside Diego Godin while the club also reached the Champions League final.