Is Chelsea's chequebook to strike Atlético de Madrid once again? The London club is presently in talks with Atlético in order to sign Joao Miranda. This time the offer is €25 million - just five under what is the original asking price.

José Mourinho is the man behind this renewed desire for the player, who incidentally has the same agent as the Portuguese manager. Jorge Mendes also represents Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, both already settled in at Stamford Bridge.

Miranda doesn't see his future as a 'Rojiblanco' all that clear. He said as much when on holiday in Brazil and says so now to those close to him, even though he is taking an active part in Simeone's new team in the first pre-season weeks.

A month ago, the first two teams that came knocking on the Calderón's door for the player were Barcelona and Manchester United. Miranda was game, but both clubs came up against Atlético's firm decision to be paid the €30 million rescission clause stipulated on his contract.

The English and Catalans baulked at such a hefty price tag and looked elsewhere for a quality defender to reinforce their back row. It looked for certain that Miranda would be staying on for at least another season at Atlético... until Chelsea got out their chequebook again.

Diego Pablo Simeone is doing all he can to keep the defender with him. The Argentine is fed up with seeing his champion players running to the open arms of José Mourinho and sees the player as key to his team.