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Man United make transfer 'offer' as Michael Carrick's summer plans star to take shape

Manchester United have reportedly made a bid to sign another Brazilian star

Michael Carrick will oversee his first transfer window as permanent Manchester United boss.

Michael Carrick will oversee his first transfer window as permanent Manchester United boss.(Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire.)

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Manchester United are reportedly among the European sides keen on signing Botafogo star Danilo this summer. The Reds are looking to bolster their midfield options and are closing in on a £38m deal to sign Atalanta star Ederson.

Michael Carrick's side have reportedly placed a bid to sign 25-year-old Danilo, who has interest from Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Flamengo. UOL claims there are four major European sides looking to sign Danilo this summer, with United one of those teams.

It's no secret that United are looking to bolster their midfield options, with Casemiro departing Old Trafford this summer. The likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Aurelien Tchouameni are just some of the big names being linked with a move to the Reds.

The report claims the Reds, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Zenit are all keen on his services this summer, and have made bids to sign him.

It does not state a figure in relation to those bids, but does say that Botafogo are hoping the midfielder impresses at the World Cup this summer, which could drive his price up.

Danilo missed Botafogo's final few games of the season, before being called up to the international team, and his future at the Rio de Janeiro club is uncertain.

Botafogo's midfielder #08 Danilo celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Copa Libertadores phase two second-leg football match between Brazil's Botafogo and Bolivia's Nacional Potosi at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 25, 2026. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)

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Danilo is no stranger to the Premier League, having signed for Nottingham Forest in 2023 in a deal worth £18m, making 34 appearances during his first season at the City Ground.

Injuries plagues his second season at Forest, as Nuno Espirito Santo's side guided the Tricky Trees to a top-seven finish, with Danilo joining Botafogo for a reported fee of £21m.

Although reports are vague when it comes to Danilo, it's clear United are keeping a close eye on the South American market having already agreed a deal to sign Ederson.

United have monitored Ederson's performances and progression in Serie A and the Champions League for 12 months. Meanwhile, Atalanta president Antonio Percassi is eager to capitalise on Ederson, who will enter the final 12 months of his existing deal next month.

He initially caught United's attention after helping Atalanta secure the Europa League in 2024. During that campaign, he featured 52 times and netted seven goals. United's resolve has remained firm.

Beyond some encouraging scouting assessments of someone who is recognised for being tenacious, dynamic and possessing an eye for goal, Ederson satisfied additional criteria when it became apparent to United he would fall within their financial parameters. A valuation of £42m attracted co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

As did the reality that Ederson is collecting just £25,000-a-week in Italy, and will only require United to increase that to approximately £75,000-a-week in Manchester. Michael Carrick's appointment as permanent manager also accelerated proceedings, once he assessed the advantages of a transfer for the 26-year-old.

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