Chelsea have been monitoring the situation of Atletico Madrid center-back Miranda and are reportedly plotting a summer move for the Brazilian defender.

The 30-year-old’s contract is set to expire in June 2016. However, the belief now is that Atletico officials are willing to let Miranda leave, and the player himself would like to sign one last big money deal before he retires.

Last August, both Chelsea and Manchester United had bids rejected by the defender.

At the time, Miranda professed his loyalty to the club while stating he was happy living in Spain. But it appears the defender has had a change of heart.

This weekend, Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo was in attendance during Atletico’s 2-2 draw with Malaga. The understanding is that the London club is planning to make the defender their third signing from the Spanish champions.

Last summer, Chelsea recalled Thibaut Courtois from his loan spell in Madrid, but signed Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from the club at the conclusion of the 2013-14 campaign – both Costa and Luis are apparently close friends with Miranda.

In recent seasons, Miranda has formed one of the best centre-back partnerships in Europe with Diego Godin. But the defender has slowly seen his playing time reduced due to injuries; as well as the improved play and maturation of 20-year-old Uruguayan centre-back, Jose Gimenez.

Atletico have also announced they plan to recall Toby Alderweireld from his loan spell at Southampton, which gives every indication the club is planning to make a change in central defense.