Atletico's Miranda back in touch with Barcelona

Barcelona continue to study all the options as they look to complete their defensive line and the latest player to return to the Blaugrana's orbit is Joao Miranda.

The Brazilian's representatives called Andoni Zubizarreta once again to inform him that the operation is possible, with Miranda keen to make the move from the Vicente Calderon to Camp Nou.

However, negotiationing with Atletico Madrid would be tough.

Los Rojiblancos have always pointed to the central defender's release clause - €30 million - and they don't seem set to offer a reduction.

If Barça do push through with a transfer, though, the 29-year-old would likely ask Atleti to strike a deal with the Catlans.

Miranda remains a key part of the new project Diego Simeone is forming and, after losing Filipe Luis to Chelsea, Cholo is unlikely to be happy about the prospect of losing another vital ingredient of his back four.