Ben Jacobs has given an update on Manchester United's plans to sign a third midfielder and a new name has emerged as a potential option.
A midfield rebuild was at the top of INEOS' to-do list heading into the summer transfer window following Casemiro's departure. Manuel Ugarte had been expected to be offloaded, but an injury at the World Cup means he's likely to stay put.
Michael Carrick has already been backed with two new midfield signings following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. His transfer chiefs are in the process of chasing a number six who can anchor the midfield and fill the void left by Casemiro.
Jacobs: Man Utd Hold Talks For Danilo
Nottingham Forest's Danilo
Nottingham Forest's Danilo
Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Manu Kone are three of the names on United's shortlist. They are the highest-profile options, but there is no guarantee the club will decide to move for one of them.
Jacobs has revealed that Old Trafford chiefs have held talks over a possible deal for a surprise name. He said on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness: "Danilo is one new option that has been spoken about at Botafogo, also a target for Newcastle United amongst others."
The Brazilian is the latest midfielder to be eyed by the Red Devils and he is already familiar with Premier League football. He spent a short period at Nottingham Forest before returning to his homeland and joining Botafogo last summer.
Danilo, dubbed "incredible", is an energetic box-to-box midfielder who can play both as a six or an eight. He's strong defensively and composed in possession, attributes Carrick will want from a third potential midfield signing.
At 25, he is entering his peak years and could relish the chance to return to the English top-flight and play in the Champions League. There's no word on how much United are willing to pay for him or Botafogo's valuation.
Jacobs also mentioned Bournemouth's Alex Scott following Chelsea's failed £64 million bid to sign the English midfielder. The Red Devils are interested, but given the fee that the Cherries snubbed, it could take a huge offer to convince them to sell.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
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Man Utd Appear Calm Over Third Midfield Signing
Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates for FranceSarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters
United are taking their time over signing a third midfielder and, justifiably so, given it will likely be an important acquisition. It comes as no surprise to see them explore targets other than the marquee names mentioned throughout the summer.
For Carrick, he ideally lands a top-quality midfielder who can come straight into his starting lineup. That will depend on how much money INEOS are willing to spend.
Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026) Related
Man Utd Increasingly Confident of Signing 'One of the Best Midfielders in the World'
Manchester United are increasingly confident that they can pull a deal off for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer.
Tchouameni feels like their dream target, and reports claim that they have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the Real Madrid man. But if they have to look elsewhere the likes of Danilo make sense given they pulled the plug on a deal for his fellow countryman Ederson after complications during a medical.