Chelsea 'close on Brazil defender with £20m bid'

Chelsea have made a £20million offer for Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda and are hopeful of beating a host of teams to his signature.

The 29-year-old was a crucial part of the Atletico team that won La Liga and got to the Champions League final last season.

And now the Daily Express says that Jose Mourinho has been so impressed with him that he’s slapped in a £20million offer to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Miranda has a release clause set at £24million, but the Blues believe they will be able to lure him for a cut price.

Manchester United and Barcelona are also known to be keen on Miranda, but the Brazilian would arguably prefer the chance to link up with former team-mates Diego Costa and Felipe Luis at Chelsea.

Mourinho had said last week that he’s not looking for any more new signings, but has since pounced for Didier Drogba and has been linked with a host of other targets.