Atletico's £22m ace defender Miranda LIFTS LID on Manchester United and City links

ATLETICO MADRID defender Miranda says he is aware of interest from Manchester United and City in signing him this summer.

João Miranda Player Profile

The Brazilian has 18 months left on his contract in Madrid and is expected to be at the centre of a fierce transfer battle between the two Manchester clubs this summer.

United have reportedly renewed their interest in the £22million-rated centre-half, who they tried to sign in January.

Meanwhile, City are chasing Europe’s elite players after manager Manuel Pellegrini revealed the club must compete to land big names in the transfer market.

Speaking to Spanish magazine AS, Miranda, 30, said he was flattered by the interest shown in him.

“Of course these news [stories] reach me,” he said. “And they cheer me up.”

“It’s a sign that I am doing a good job. I look at it with pride, but my intention is to stay at Atletico because I still have a year and a half left on my contract.”

Miranda is seen as one of Louis van Gaal’s prime transfer targets, although a bid is only likely to come in for the defender if the Red Devils fail to land Mats Hummels from Dortmund this summer.

Miranda scores for AtleticoGETTY

Atletico's Miranda is reportedly valued at £22million
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