Chelsea Transfer News: Miranda Deal Lined Up, Jese Rodriguez Cools Rumours

Chelsea look set to plunder the talent on show at Atletico Madrid once again, with news that manager Jose Mourinho wants Brazilian centre-back Miranda.

Darren Lewis of the Mirror writes "The Special One" will intensify his chase of the defender. Miranda is available for a reduced transfer fee with just 12 months remaining on his current deal at the end of the campaign.

Chelsea have a strong business relationship with the La Liga champions, with both Diego Costa and Filipe Luis joining the Blues last summer.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Current Stamford Bridge No. 1 Thibaut Courtois also spent three years on loan in the Spanish capital as he developed into one of the best goalkeepers in world football, coinciding with Atleti's championship run. 

Lewis reports Miranda "is said to see the opportunity to sign for Chelsea at the end of the season as his last big chance to earn a move to another top European club."

And if Chelsea win the Premier League, the pull to west London will be even stronger as he looks to pit himself against England's best strikers. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Miranda has been one of Diego Simeone's most important soldiers over the past few seasons, partnering Diego Godin to great effect.

This year, he has made 25 appearances for the Rojiblancos and remains an important part of the team's tactics.

Chelsea's technical director, Michael Emenalo, watched Miranda feature in the Spanish team's 2-2 draw against Malaga to further scout his potential for Mourinho's plans, per Lewis.

Jese Desires Real Madrid Stay

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Highly regarded Real Madrid youngster Jese Rodriguez has stated he wishes to stay with his current club, dashing the hopes of Chelsea and other suitors. 

The player has recently recovered from cruciate ligament damage and capped his return to the Los Blancos line-up with a goal in the 3-0 win against Eibar.

David Wright of the Express reported in March the 23-year-old might make the switch to Stamford Bridge, with Real Madrid Castilla coach Alberto Toril claiming the talent will make a decision on his future in the summer:

"

He'd like to stay at Madrid, but he also has the ambition to play regularly. He'll decide [his future] in June. He knows that the BBC play practically forever, but at the end of the day a season is 70 games long and there's time for everyone to play. [Carlo] Ancelotti will have his arguments [against squad rotation], but in doing so a player can relax [too much].

"

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

However, the player has now said he will remain with Madrid for the long term after his recent goal, per AS:

"

I've always felt that the club was behind me, from the coach to the president and the rest of the squad. I had to be mentally strong and never stop working on my recovery. ...

I've no intention of leaving. I'd like to retire here. I arrived at the club when I was 13 years old. I'm now 22 and I'd like to leave the club when I'm 40. I'm so happy here and this is my lifelong club.

"

Jese's words will leave Mourinho dissatisfied, but it is questionable whether the player will be happy sitting on the sidelines under Carlo Ancelotti.

He is a young player with much talent, but he needs game time to develop and become the player he is destined to be. Madrid's Castilla set-up is not suitable for Jese now, and he will eventually have to search for first-team football elsewhere.

Miranda's capture would be clever business from Chelsea as they implement the succession plan behind the eventual departure of John Terry.

Miranda has great experience and knowledge of elite European football, and his signing would give Chelsea further time to find younger defensive talent. 

Terry still has at least a year left in his legs at the top level of the English game, but Miranda would be a smart option to bring in for the next campaign.