Manchester United’s interest in Danilo is starting to feel more serious. This is happening at exactly the same moment the midfielder appears to be drifting completely out of Botafogo’s plans.
The Brazil international was already heading towards a likely summer exit after his outstanding form this season. However, the latest updates coming out of Brazil suggest things are speeding up quickly behind the scenes.
According to multiple reports, Danilo is now expected to stay away from Botafogo training sessions and matches until his future becomes clearer.
That is a pretty major escalation from the earlier “risk management” approach around his fitness and World Cup preparation.
At this point, it really feels like Botafogo are already managing the final stretch before his departure.
Manchester United pushing again
The timing is interesting because Manchester United’s name keeps showing up more and more around the player.
After earlier reports of a first contact, ESPN Brazil said United made fresh enquiries over the past week. They continue looking at Danilo as a possible long-term replacement for Casemiro.
There is still no sign of formal negotiations or a bid, but the repeated contact definitely sounds like something. Especially because United are starting to look like one of the main players in the race. It is the only English club credited with active interest in the past days by the local press.
Feels more and more like an exit
Danilo’s season has pushed him into a completely different market level. In addition to have established himself as one of the most productive midfielders in Brazilian football, he was also called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the World Cup, which only increases the hype around him.
Botafogo are hoping the tournament pushes his value towards €40m (£34m). Meanwhile, several European clubs continue to hover around the situation.
More importantly, the club’s own thinking is positive for Manchester United. They want Danilo sold abroad after the World Cup – not to a local rival. That naturally pushes the Premier League angle even further to the front.
One important detail here is that negotiations may not actually be that difficult once formal offers arrive.
John Textor was effectively forced away from control of Botafogo after plunging the club into debts reported at around R$2.5bn (€427m / £367m). That leaves behind a club under major financial pressure.
Botafogo know they need the money, and they also know Danilo wants to move on after the World Cup.
Put those two things together, and there is a growing feeling in Brazil that this could become a relatively quick deal once one of the interested clubs decides to push properly.
Arsenal may still there too
While Manchester United continue speaking with Botafogo, Arsenal remain active around the player’s side.
As we previously covered, the Gunners already made contact with Danilo’s staff and still look like one of the English clubs moving most aggressively behind the scenes.
But the overall feeling around the situation is changing. Danilo looks like someone already in the middle of an exit process, and the England’s top shelf clubs are waiting on the other side.
