Manchester United want to sign a third midfielder before the summer transfer window closes but they've been priced out of a move for Bournemouth star Alex Scott
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 13: Danilo Santos of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Danilo played for Brazil at the World Cup(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Manchester United are weighing up a move for ex-Nottingham Forest star Danilo. The news comes after United decided not to pursue a deal for Bournemouth's Alex Scott.
Bournemouth will demand at least £70million for Scott, who was the subject of a £64m bid from Chelsea which was rejected earlier this week. United value the England international at around £40m and will now look at alternative options in their search for a third new central midfielder.
BBC Sport report that the Red Devils have registered their interest in Danilo, who plays for Brazilian side Botafogo. It's added that Newcastle were interested in the 25-year-old earlier this summer.
Danilo made four appearances at the World Cup - all from the bench - as part of Carlo Ancelotti's squad. Botafogo have already received two offers in the region of £25m from Brazilian rivals Palmeiras and Russian heavyweights Zenit St Petersburg.
Palmeiras, where Danilo made his name over three seasons, are currently pushing hardest to complete a deal. Botafogo would prefer sell him abroad, having paid £21.7m to sign him from Forest a year ago.
Danilo is one of several options for United, who've also enquired about Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The Red Devils have already recruited two midfielders this summer; Andrey Santos for £50m and Youri Tielemans for £35m.
In two-and-a-half years with Forest, Danilo made 62 appearances across all competitions. His third season at the City Ground was blighted by a serious ankle injury which took a toll on him.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Danilo of Nottingham Forest is challenged by Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Danilo spent two years at Nottingham Forest before joining Botafogo(Image: Cameron Smith - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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"It was really tough at first, but with time it got easier," Danilo told FIFA's website before the World Cup. "I started to understand things differently. I matured a lot.
"I became stronger and learned to think more positively every day. After that injury, I developed this mindset."
Botafogo are having a middling season, sitting 10th in the Brazilian top flight with seven wins, four draws and seven defeats after 18 games. Danilo has been prolific in front of goal, though, scoring seven league goals as well as three in cup competitions.