Newcastle United are looking to recover from yet another transfer blow this week, and Ross Wilson is ready to use his contacts to help them do it.
The Magpies were rocked by news that Johan Manzambi's move to St James' Park had been hijacked by Aston Villa this week, despite an agreement being reached with SC Freiburg, adding to the list of embarrassments in the window over the last 12 months, including Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and the Alexander Isak situation.
But the club know they must continue to work in the market for midfield additions, with Sandro Tonali having joined Tottenham in a £100m deal and Bruno Guimaraes attracting major interest from Arsenal, and sporting director Wilson is ready to lend a hand.
Newcastle Eyeing Danilo Santos Deal
Danilo SantosREUTERS/Marco Bello
According to iNews, Newcastle are eyeing a move for Botafogo midfield star Danilo Santos this summer.
Danilo, who has been described as an 'elite number 8', had a short stint at Nottingham Forest between January 2023 and July 2025, where he made 62 appearances for the club, including 50 in the Premier League. However, a broken ankle saw him sidelined and lose his place in the team, before he returned to Brazil.
But there has has seen a resurgence of the form that saw him earn a move to Europe, and he was part of Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad this summer too.
Botafogo are open to a sale for the 25-year-old, and Wilson is someone who has close ties to the Brazil international and his camp, having played a pivotal role in signing him for Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle are prioritising a move for a midfielder who can progress the ball forward quickly, and Danilo fits the bill. However, there is competition for his signature, and the Magpies would have to move quickly to get a deal done once again.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Howe Would Love Danilo
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks on glumly
Howe has made it a trademark of his to help develop players into top stars who can compete at the highest level, and Danilo is someone who he will see a similar type of potential in.
Able to turn in top performances in all midfield roles, Danilo is someone who will fit the high intensity, and high energy style that the manager wants to implement, while he is also capable of chipping in with goals in a more advanced role, as he showed with 10 goals in 24 appearances last season.
Newcastle need to make a decision on who they want, and then move quickly, to avoid missing out on other targets, but they may well have an edge here because of Wilson and his connections.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks on Related
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