Joao Miranda
Joao Miranda (right) is the latest defender to be linked to Manchester UnitedReuters

Manchester United are reportedly considering a £20 million move for Atletico Madrid defender Miranda in January.

The Red Devils have finally managed to find some stability following their poor start to the new 2014/15 campaign as they have managed to win three out of their last five Premier League fixtures.

However, they still seem to be struggling at the back due to many of their defenders, including Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, being sidelined by various injuries.

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As a result, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is reportedly keen to bring in new defenders in January, with the Dutchman reportedly keeping a close eye on a number of defenders including Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly, Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao, Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar, Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels, Porto's Bruno Martins Indi and Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte.

And now Miranda is the latest name being linked to Manchester United, who are reportedly preparing a £20 million January bid for Atletico Madrid centre-back, according to the Daily Star.

Despite the 30-year-old Brazilian believed having a £24 million buyout clause in his contract, Manchester United are certain of landing him in January for £4 million less.

Miranda, who joined Atletico Madrid from São Paulo in the summer of 2011 on a free transfer, will certainly be a good addition to the Red Devils squad as he has a lot of experience and was one of the main reasons behind the Los Rojiblancos' solid defence last season.

However, it will be difficult for the Red Devils to convince Miranda, who turned down a chance to follow his Atletico teammates Diego Costa and Filipe Luís to Chelsea this summer,  to move to Old Trafford as he is reportedly happy at the Vicente Calderón.

"I think that it's normal footballers to leave the club when they have found success," Miranda was quoted by the Daily Star as saying. "Staying at Atleti was the best for me and my family.

"I'm very happy to be at Atletico. I love Madrid and this is a great club."