Miranda

Atletico Madrid are desperately trying to block Joao Miranda's move to Manchester United by offering him a salary rise, reports in Spain claim.

Spanish newspaper AS reported last month that United were close to completing Miranda's signing, after the centre-back agreed personal terms with Old Trafford officials – although Barcelona are also monitoring the situation.

However the negotiations within the clubs have stalled, with Louis van Gaal's side refusing to meet Miranda's £24m release clause and Atletico unlikely to negotiate a cut-price deal.

According to Marca, Miranda is still planning to move away as both United and Barcelona have offered him significantly higher wages than those he currently receives at the Calderon.

However Atletico are still confident of changing Miranda's mind by renewing his contract with improved terms, rewarding his contribution last season – when he helped Diego Simeone's side win La Liga and progress to the Champions League final.

Furthermore, Atletico have reportedly insisted to Miranda that they will not be dropping his price tag at any point - so if United and Barcelona refuse to meet his buy-out clause he will have to stay in the Spanish capital.

'I have offers from Spain and England'

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The Brazilian defender recently revealed his desire to move away, admitting offers from both a Premier League and La Liga side.

"I have some offers and we are negotiating," he said.

"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 [£24m], but that can be negotiated."

Marca claims United are monitoring alternatives including Thomas Vermaelen and Mats Hummels should the Miranda deal collapse.

Louis van Gaal