Manchester United 'ready to renew interest' in Atletico Madrid centre-back Joao Miranda

Manchester United are ready to renew their interest in securing the services of Atletico Madrid centre-back Joao Miranda this summer, reports in Spain claim.

The Brazil international defender was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window to the point some reports in Spain claimed the Premier League giants agreed personal terms with the defender but just failed to convince Diego Simeone's side to part ways.

Miranda himself even then admitted his intention to leave La Liga Champions but the deal reportedly collapsed after Atletico Madrid demanded United meet his full €30m (£22m, $32.5m) release clause.

Spanish newspaper AS now claim that United are still monitoring the situation of the centre-back and that this time Atletico Madrid will not block his departure, but the opposite.

After the emergence of youngster Jose Maria Gimenez into the first team, the Brazilian is no longer a crucial asset for Simeone.

Furthermore, with the player ready to turn 31-year-old and his contract set to expire in June 2016, the club are aware that this summer would be their last chance to take a profit for the defender.

AS points out that "last summer he had a firm offer from van Gaal's side and Miranda's agent still deals with United's interest and the idea is that they will speak about the matter again at the end of the season."

Van Gaal has reportedly earmarked the signing of an experienced centre-back as one of his top priorities after last summer he failed to fill the void left by the departures of both Nemanja Matic and Rio Ferdinand.

Recent reports claimed Argentina star Nicolas Otamendi is his top priority but with Valencia demanding €50m for his services, Miranda may be a more affordable alternative.

Nevertheless and even though last summer Miranda claimed he wanted to leave Atletico Madrid, he has recently expressed his intention to stay at the Vicente Calderon until the end of his contract.

"I am comfortable. I have a contract for this year and one more. I must only think about playing football, enjoying my minutes at Atlético and making my team fight, always, for titles. I have another year and I am going to endeavour to fulfil my contract," Miranda said.