Manchester United have turned their attention to Botafogo midfielder Danilo after deciding not to pursue Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who is valued at £70m by the Cherries. United had been in the market for a third central midfielder this summer, having already signed Andrey Santos for £50m and Youri Tielemans for £35m. However, Bournemouth's asking price for Scott – after rejecting a £64m bid from Chelsea earlier this week – proved too steep, with United valuing the England international at around £40m.
Now, according to BBC Sport, United have registered their interest in Danilo, a 25-year-old Brazilian who made four appearances from the bench at the World Cup as part of Carlo Ancelotti's squad. Danilo spent two-and-a-half years at Nottingham Forest, making 62 appearances, before joining Botafogo a year ago for £21.7m. His third season at the City Ground was blighted by a serious ankle injury, which he said was "really tough at first" but helped him mature.
“Manchester United target Botafogo midfielder Danilo after Bournemouth demand £70m for Alex Scott.”
Botafogo have already received two offers in the region of £25m from Brazilian rivals Palmeiras and Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. Palmeiras, where Danilo made his name, are pushing hardest, but Botafogo would prefer to sell him abroad. Danilo has been prolific this season, scoring seven league goals and three in cup competitions, despite Botafogo sitting 10th in the Brazilian top flight. United have also enquired about Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni as they continue their search for midfield reinforcements.
