Manchester United are close to signing Atletico Madrid defender Miranda, according to reports from Spanish newspaper AS.

According to the report, the Brazilian has already started looking for schools for his children in Manchester. Atletico have intentions of dismantling the team that won the La Liga this term and reached Champions League final, but they are powerless, as United are ready to trigger his €30m buy-out clause.

However, the Old Trafford giants could have tough competitions from Barcelona, with the Catalan based newspaper Sport reporting Barcelona have started negotiating with the player’s representatives. Barcelona are confident of luring him for a much lower price, within €20m region.

Both United and Barcelona are in desperate need of strengthening the defence and Miranda would be a top signing for either of the clubs.

Thus at one hand, Barcelona are prepared to offer €10 million less plus any of their fringe players while on the other United are willing to meet his buy-out clause. It seems like United are leading the race here. However, he is 29 and one cannot help but ask whether paying €30m is justified