Man United Faces Setback as £34m Midfielder Prefers Newcastle Transfer
Manchester United have encountered a setback in their pursuit of Danilo, the £34 million-rated midfielder, who seems to be leaning towards a move to Newcastle United. Despite strengthening their midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, the Red Devils remain without a direct replacement for Casemiro, who left after his contract expired in June.
Atalanta's Ederson appeared close to joining United during the World Cup period, but negotiations fell through reportedly due to medical concerns. Ederson has since renewed his contract with Atalanta, pushing Man United to explore other midfield targets. Several names like Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga have come up, but Danilo remains a strong candidate.
Danilo Favors Newcastle Move
Earlier this month, reports suggested that Man United started talks to sign Botafogo's key player Danilo. The Brazilian club values him at around £34 million. However, sources from UoL reveal that Danilo’s representatives see Newcastle United as a more attractive option, especially considering guaranteed playing time amid Newcastle’s midfield overhaul.
Newcastle recently sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £92.5 million and may soon receive a £70 million offer from Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes. Joelinton is also linked with Saudi Arabian clubs. Newcastle has reached out to Botafogo about Danilo’s availability for a summer transfer. His current contract runs until 2029.
Other interested parties include Palmeiras and Zenit St Petersburg, but Botafogo refuses to strengthen direct competitors, and Danilo is not keen on moving to Russia. The 25-year-old has Premier League experience from Nottingham Forest, with 50 appearances and five goals. This season he’s been impressive in Brazil with seven goals and two assists in 13 matches.
Does Man United Still Need a Midfielder?
Despite having added several midfielders, there’s a sense that Man United’s midfield remains unfinished. Michael Carrick has a handful of players capable of playing deeper roles: Santos, Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Dan Gore, and Tyler Fletcher. Manuel Ugarte is sidelined long-term with a knee injury.
Gore, Fletcher, and Collyer lack Premier League experience; Collyer, the oldest at 22, played just 17 games last season across West Bromwich Albion and Hull City. Although Collyer is comfortable as a number six, against top opponents, Carrick might prefer not to rely solely on Santos, Tielemans, or Mainoo. A new holding midfielder skilled at breaking up play would be helpful.
