Miranda on the verge of joining Manchester United after Louis van Gaal triggers £24m release clause for Atletico Madrid defender

Brazilian defender set to clinch four-year deal at Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal is in desperate need of defenders are Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both left the club

Miranda played in Champions League final defeat against Real

Player looking around schools in Manchester, Spanish press claim



Manchester United are already making moves to bolster their defensive options by triggering a £24million release clause for Atletico Madrid's Miranda, according to reports in Spain.



The 29-year-old centre-half played in the Champions League final extra time defeat against city rivals Real in Lisbon on Saturday.



Miranda was a mainstay for Diego Simeone's La Liga champions last season and is set to link-up with Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford after being offered a four-year deal.



Incoming! Manchester United have triggered Miranda's release clause of £24m at Atletico Madrid

Key man: The Brazilian has been important for Diego Simeone during their La Liga title last season

MIRANDA FACTFILE

Age: 29

Height: 6ft 1in Position: Centre-back Club: Atletico Madrid Apperances last season: 45

Brazil caps: 7

Clauses are mandatory for all players in Spain, and with United seemingly operating with a blank chequebook this summer, the hefty fee hasn't deterred them.



Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari didn't pick the big defender in his World Cup squad - a decision that has come as a surprise given Miranda's recent performances.

Spanish newspaper AS claim that he has been in Manchester looking at schools in the area ahead of a potential deal.

Van Gaal has identified the heart of his defence as a problem area, particularly after the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has left the squad devoid of numbers.



And Miranda, despite his age, appears a safe choice after enjoying a renaissance on the continent since moving to Vicente Calderon three years ago.



What a picture! New boss Louis van Gaal has identified central defence as a problem position at Old Trafford

Target: Manchester United have joined a host of clubs in chasing PSG youngster Adrien Rabiot (right)

He did move back to Brazil with Sao Paulo in 2006 after ill-fated one-season spells with Coritiba and Sochaux.

United have also continued to keep tabs on Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot, who wants to leave the club over a lack of games.



The 19-year-old is highly thought of in France and is the source of interest from Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

