After failing to sign long-term target Ederson, Manchester United are in danger of missing out on another midfielder on their shortlist, as Newcastle United have enquired about the availability of Botafogo's Danilo, according to O Globo.
The Red Devils may have completed the signing of Andrey Santos earlier this week, but they've endured a rough start to this summer window. A move for Ederson, which has been in the works for some time, has collapsed, leaving their transfer strategy in limbo.
Michael Carrick and the Old Trafford hierarchy are expected to turn to alternatives to Ederson, with Manu Kone mooted as a candidate.
Danilo, described as an "elite number eight" by Breaking The Lines, has also been identified as a target, although this potential move is now in jeopardy as Newcastle have emerged as a serious contender for the Brazilian's signature.
Man Utd could now miss out on Danilo as well as Ederson
Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson
O Globo report that Newcastle have enquired about Danilo, and while the Magpies are yet to make a formal offer for the former Nottingham Forest man, they view him as one of their top targets to replace Bruno Guimaraes, if the 28-year-old completes a move to Arsenal.
Reports surfaced earlier this week that United have held talks with Botafogo about Danilo's situation. Danilo is reportedly keen on a return to Europe after leaving Forest last summer, and Botafogo are demanding around €40million (£34million) for his services.
While Newcastle aren't deemed frontrunners at this time, their need for midfield reinforcements is urgent, and thus, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them move quickly ahead of United to try and sign the 25-year-old.
Eddie Howe is also likely to be able to offer Danilo regular minutes from the outset, while his role in the north-west would likely be more limited.
This could ultimately persuade the player to opt for a switch to Tyneside rather than Manchester, highlighting how United could be in trouble in this particular saga.
Man Utd should pivot to Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace
Danilo represents a sensible buy if United are merely looking for alternatives to Ederson with greater upside.
However, they should instead be focusing on signing a different profile of midfielder. They've already added energy in Santos; they now need a deep-lying playmaker who can dictate their build-up play.
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Adam Wharton has been linked with United, and the Crystal Palace man is the exact sort of profile they should be looking at.
The England international is an exceptional passer, and this is what the Red Devils need at the base of their midfield. Instead of adding another workmanlike player who can get on the end of chances in the box, a more metronomic midfield is what Carrick's side are crying out for.
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