Manchester United could pursue more than one midfielder during the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are already in advanced negotiations with Atalanta for Ederson, and a formal agreement for the Brazilian ace could be finalised in the coming days.
The club are looking for another midfield solution, and UOL journalist Valentin Furlan claims that the Red Devils have enquired over the availability of Botafogo’s Danilo.
AC Milan, Atalanta and Zenit St Petersburg are also keen. Palmeiras and Flamengo hold an interest among Brazilian clubs, but Danilo is prioritising a return to Europe.
Danilo could be signed as a backup midfielder
The 25-year-old previously had a Premier League stint with Nottingham Forest. He arrived at a time when the Tricky Trees were battling relegation, midway through the 2022/23 season.
Danilo played a key role in them avoiding the drop with five goal contributions in 13 league games. He was a regular in 2023/24 too, as the Tricky Trees finished 17th in the English top-flight.
The Brazilian lost his place in the starting XI after Elliot Anderson’s arrival in the summer of 2024. He returned to Brazil with Botafogo last year and has been brilliant in the new campaign.
Danilo’s first season (2025) was hampered by hamstring injuries, but he has been somewhat of a revelation for Botafogo in 2026 with 10 goals and three assists from 24 appearances in all competitions.
He has also caught the eye with his dribbling, duel-winning ability and recoveries, operating in multiple midfield positions. His versatility could be behind United’s surprise interest in signing him this summer.
Botafogo are eyeing between £30-35 million for the ex-Forest man. United can afford such a package, and it remains to be seen whether the club will pursue a second Brazilian midfielder after Ederson.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
