Manchester United have made an enquiry for Brazilian midfielder Danilo, according to reports from Brazil. The 25-year-old, currently playing for Botafogo, has emerged as a potential target for the Old Trafford club as they plan a summer overhaul of their midfield options. The interest was reported by Botafogo-focused outlet FogaoNet, via Sport Witness, and suggests United see Danilo as a possible replacement for his compatriot Casemiro, whose contract is expiring.
Botafogo are said to be willing to sell the player, but only to a European club, with an asking price set at around €40 million (£35 million). The Rio de Janeiro side signed Danilo from Nottingham Forest just last summer for €25 million (£21.5 million) and are aiming to turn a profit. Alongside United, other clubs including Fulham, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, and Zenit St Petersburg are also reported to be monitoring the player's situation.
Danilo spent two and a half seasons in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, making 62 appearances before his move back to Brazil. Since returning to Botafogo, his form has been impressive, contributing 10 goals and seven assists in 37 matches. This resurgence has brought him back onto the radar of European clubs. The two-time Brazil international is viewed as fitting the strategic preference of United's INEOS leadership, which has prioritized recruiting players with prior experience in the English top flight.
The potential move aligns with a broader restructuring planned for United's midfield. With Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte also potentially being sold, the club is expected to sign two midfielders this summer. Reports indicate that Brighton's Carlos Baleba is currently the primary target, with Danilo considered an option for the second acquisition. His profile as a defensive midfielder would address a key area of need for the squad.
United's search for reinforcements is not limited to midfield. Separate reports from Italy, cited by Corriere dello Sport, suggest the club is also showing interest in Dutch striker Donyell Malen. The former Aston Villa forward, now at Roma, has scored 12 goals in 16 games, attracting attention from several Premier League sides. However, any move for Malen would be complex, with Roma likely to demand a significant fee after his impactful loan spell.
Amidst the transfer planning, the managerial situation at Old Trafford remains a focal point. Interim manager Michael Carrick is widely considered the frontrunner for the permanent position following his successful stint. However, according to reports, the club's hierarchy has also been monitoring other candidates throughout the season, including Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, and Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler. A final decision is expected in the coming weeks, which will shape the club's direction in the transfer market.
For Danilo, a return to England would represent a quick reunion with the Premier League after a single season away. For Manchester United, his acquisition would signal a continued commitment to recruiting proven league talent as they seek to build a more competitive squad for the challenges ahead.
