Desperate for stability in his back four, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is preparing to launch a bid for a true center-back come January. According to the Daily Star, the Dutchman is targeting Atletico Madrid's Joao Miranda and is willing to offer the club £20 million.
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Per the report, the 30-year-old has a £24 million release clause in his contract.
The £4 million difference won't be the only hurdle for United's boss. Linked with a transfer in previous windows, Miranda has vocally expressed his desires to remain in the Spanish capital. "I think that it's normal footballers to leave the club when they have found success," he said. "Staying at Atleti was the best for me and my family."
"I'm very happy to be at Atleti," Miranda added. "I love Madrid and this is a great club."
Convincing the seasoned defender to depart a league champion for a flailing one is a different issue altogether for van Gaal. United are off to their worst start since 1986 (4-4-3) and summer transfers like Luke Shaw and Radamel Falcao haven't panned out. Falcao, who suffered a knee injury on Oct. 20, has only featured in five of the club's 11 matches.
The 28-year-old does, however, boast one goal and two assists in 251 minutes of play.
Adding Miranda's services would boost United's chances to return to Champions League football in 2015, but whether the club can complete the transfer remains to be seen.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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