Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda flattered by Manchester United interest

Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda has no plans to leave the La Liga champions before the end of his current contract despite growing interest from Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal was heavily linked with bringing the Brazil international to Old Trafford last summer but a deal failed to materialise.

Reports during Van Gaal's first summer at United suggested the club were ready to commit €30m (£21.8m, $32.6m) to signing the veteran centre-back after the player had inspired Atletico to the Spanish domestic title and Champions League final.

Suggestions that United are now ready to reignite their interest in Miranda to bolster their defence ahead of next season prompted the 30-year-old to say he is proud of the link with the 20-time English league champions.

"Of course these news [stories] reach me," he told AS. "And they cheered me up. It's a sign that I am doing a good job.

"I look at it with pride, but my intention is to stay at Atletico because I still have a year and a half left on my contract."

Van Gaal is yet to confirm the club's plans for the upcoming summer transfer window however, having all but secured Champions League football for next season, United are expected to be able to sign a higher calibre of player.

Even though Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao joined from Real Madrid and Monaco last summer, United will be keen to improve their squad sufficiently to bridge the gap to Chelsea and Arsenal, while keeping pace with current champions Manchester City.

United's defensive formation has been the main source of problems for the Reds this season, exacerbated by injury concerns which have necessitated constant changes.