Man United Faces Setback as £34m Midfielder Prefers Newcastle Transfer
Manchester United have encountered difficulties in their attempts to sign Danilo, who seems to favour a move to Newcastle United this summer. Despite strengthening their midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, the Red Devils still seek a direct replacement for Casemiro, who left after his contract expired in June.
The club was close to acquiring Ederson from Atalanta during the World Cup period, but the deal fell through reportedly due to medical concerns. Ederson has since renewed his contract with the Italian side, forcing Man United to explore other midfield options.
Potential Alternatives and Danilo’s Situation
Names like Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga have surfaced as possible targets. Danilo, once part of Nottingham Forest's Premier League squad, is also on the list.
Earlier reports suggested that talks between Man United and Botafogo over Danilo, valued around £34 million, had begun. Yet, sources indicate that Danilo’s representatives view Newcastle United as a more attractive destination. With the Magpies undergoing a midfield overhaul, regular playing time seems likely at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s Midfield Transition
Newcastle recently sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £92.5 million and face pressure from Arsenal, which may soon submit a £70 million bid for Bruno Guimaraes. Additionally, Joelinton is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
The Magpies have already contacted Botafogo about Danilo, whose contract runs until 2029. Palmeiras and Zenit St Petersburg showed interest, but Botafogo prefers not to strengthen a direct rival, and Danilo is not keen on a move to Russia.
At 25, Danilo boasts 50 Premier League appearances for Nottingham Forest, scoring five goals, and currently has seven goals and two assists in 13 matches this season in Brazil.
Does Man United Still Need Another Midfielder?
Despite having several players capable of deeper midfield roles under Michael Carrick’s guidance, doubts linger over the squad’s completeness. Injuries have sidelined key players like Manuel Ugarte, while younger talents such as Santos, Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Dan Gore, and Tyler Fletcher fill various roles.
Yet, many among them lack extensive top-flight experience. Players like Gore, Fletcher, and Collyer, who played 17 games last season across West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, might struggle against stronger opponents.
While Collyer is used to playing as a number six, the team could benefit from another holding midfielder skilled in disrupting opposition play, especially in high-stakes matches when Carrick prefers not to rely solely on Santos, Tielemans, or Mainoo.
