Atletico Madrid’s Joao Miranda – a top target for Chelsea and Manchester United in this summer’s transfer window – has extended his contract at the Estadio Vicente Calderon in order to seal a loan move to Inter Milan.
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According to Ginaluca Di Marzio, the Atleti centre-back – whose contract expires next summer – has signed a new deal until 2018 with Diego Simeone’s side, which has allowed him to seal a two-year loan move to the San Siro.
Di Marzio claims that a sum of €15.5m has been agreed between the two clubs and the fee will be split. The Nerazzurri will reportedly pay Rojiblancos €3m up front for the loan deal, while the remaining transfer sum of €12.5m will be paid in instalments.
The Brazil international looked poised to be the subject of a head-to-head transfer battle between Chelsea and Manchester United, with both Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal said to be willing to offer Miranda a regular starting place in their first-team [via The Telegraph].
However, Roberto Mancini has managed to convince the 30-year-old that a switch to his side would be the better option for his career, as the former Manchester City manager plans a major overhaul of his current squad in the summer.
Inter finished eighth in Serie A last season – 14 points off a Champions League spot – and their defence is key area that needs addressing if they are to return to the top.
Having put in a number of match-winning performances for Simeone’s side over the past few seasons, Miranda could prove a superb signing. Nonetheless, for a player with no experience in Italy’s top flight, supporters will be hoping that he doesn’t struggle to adapt to life in Milan – like last summer’s signing Nemanja Vidic from Manchester United.