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Man United target Miranda silent on Atletico Madrid future

Atletico Madrid centre-back Miranda, who has been linked with a big money move to Manchester United, has declined to comment on his future.

Miranda's performances as Atletico won the La Liga title last season, and reached the Champions League final before losing to Real Madrid, drew attention from many of Europe's richest clubs -- with much speculation last summer that the player was set to move to Old Trafford.

No transfer then took place, but rumours have resurfaced as the 30-year-old has come under pressure for a starting place due to the startling form of Jose Maria Gimenez -- who is a decade younger and a firm favourite of Colchoneros coach Diego Simeone.

Claims this week have it that United coach Louis Van Gaal could be ready to return with a 27 million-euro bid next summer for the player, who despite up and down club form this season has secured a regular place in the Brazil squad.

Asked at a news conference about where he would be playing next season, Miranda said he preferred to only talk about the present, while reminding everyone that he had a contract at Atletico which runs until the summer of 2016.

"I can only talk about my present, which is at Atletico," he said. "I have a contract and I am enjoying it here."

Miranda said that this season's extra competition for a starting spot at Atletico, with Gimenez playing so well, was not a negative.

"It is good for the group, for the team," he said. "Competition is good, it makes us improve more, as much me as Jose or [Diego] Godin. And whoever plays will do well."