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 interested too. 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 at 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 from 13 games. He was a regular in 2024/25 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 2024. He made the switch back to Brazil with Botafogo, where he has been brilliant in the new campaign.
Danilo’s first year 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 roles. His versatility could be behind United’s surprise interest in signing him.
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 could pursue a second Brazilian midfielder after Ederson.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com