Joao Miranda Encourages Bid from Manchester United

Atletico Madrid defender Miranda has informed interested clubs, including Manchester United, that his €30m release clause can be negotiated while confirming the La Liga champions have received offers for his services.

The Brazilian played an influential role in helping Atletico claim the La Liga title, marshalling the best defence in the Spanish top flight last season while the club also reached the Champions League final before losing to Real Madrid.

United have been heavily linked with his services of late, with reports in Spain claiming the club were set to make the 29 year old their first addition in the summer transfer window.

Supporting those reports that United had made a bid for Miranda, the centre-back has confirmed Atletico have received interest in his signature and that his €30m release clause could be negotiated.

"I have some offers and we are negotiating," he told Brazil's Radio ESPN. "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 €30million, but that can be negotiated."

With Nemanja Vidic having joined Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand leaving the club after 12 years at Old Trafford, United are expected to make the signing of a defender their primary objective in the summer transfer window.

New manager Louis van Gaal has already handed a transfer wishlist to the United hierarchy in order to spark the club's activity in the window into action however they are yet to make strides in the market despite being heavily linked with Southampton's Luke Shaw.

Miranda missed out on being included in Brazil's World Cup squad so will go into the new campaign having enjoyed a full pre-season and after playing a crucial role in helping Atletico win four major honours since joining in 2011, has displayed the capacity to perform at the top level.