Midfielder Danilo could be at the centre of a transfer tug of war as Nottingham Forest work to tweak head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
Earlier this week it was reported Lyon were closing in on a move for the Brazilian. A £21 million bid was said to have been made and only final approval from the Reds was required before the deal could be done.
However, there could yet be a twist to Danilo’s proposed switch to France. It appears Lyon are not the only club keen on securing his services.
Besiktas are also eyeing up the 24-year-old, according to Turkish publication Fotospor. It is claimed they have put forward a loan offer, which would include a purchase option, and are waiting for a response from Forest.
The Turkish side believe Danilo could be a “significant player” for them as they look to fill a gap in the centre of the pitch. But they are aware the Reds are “more inclined” to sell rather than loan out the ex-Palmeiras man.
Speculation about the midfielder’s future comes amid Forest’s pursuit of Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano. The Telegraph report Danilo’s departure will only be sanctioned once the arrival of his fellow countrymen is confirmed.
Botafogo, like Lyon, are owned by John Textor. The American and Reds counterpart Evangelos Marinakis are said to have a good relationship and have reportedly overseen negotiations regarding Jesus, Jair and Cuiabano.
GOAL claim Lyon wanted to put a clause in any contract for Danilo which would facilitate a move to Botafogo at some point. The player was reportedly against such a clause as he would “prioritise” former club Palmeiras when it comes to any future return to his homeland.
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Danilo made the move to the City Ground from the Brazilian outfit in January 2023 for a fee in the region of £16-18m. He has made 62 appearances and scored six goals in the Garibaldi.
Reshaping Nuno’s squad this summer, in preparation for the 2025/26 campaign, will involve Forest overseeing both ins and outs. The priority is to ensure they are left with sufficient strength in depth to compete on multiple fronts next term after qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.
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