Atletico signing to pave way for defender exit.Atletico Madrid could be prepared to sell Manchester United target Miranda this summer with Fichajes.net reporting that the club are close to signing Mateo Musacchio from Villarreal.
The Spanish champions are facing the departures of several key players in this transfer window, with Brazilian centre-back Miranda recently emerging as a top target for new United manager Louis van Gaal.
Although Diego Simeone will be keen not to lose too many of the squad that just won his side the La Liga title, the signing of Argentine defender Musacchio will seemingly allow Miranda to leave the club, as it is thought that he will come in as his replacement rather than to provide depth in that position.
This will come as welcome news for United, who have lost both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand at the end of this season, leaving them well short of quality options at the back, and the addition of the highly impressive Miranda will surely improve their rearguard displays next term.
United endured a miserable season, finishing trophyless and in seventh place in the Premier League, while their possible new signing was up there with the most solid defenders in Europe as he won La Liga and reached the Champions League final with Atletico.