Newcastle United’s hopes of signing Danilo Santos from Botafogo may have been handed a blow, as Palmeiras insist that he wants to join them this summer.
ABCD Jornal report comments from Palmeiras president Leila Pereira. She has insisted that the Brazilian midfielder wants to return to his former club this summer.
Palmeiras advantage
The outlet explains that Pereira was providing positive updates on the situation this week during a press conference for manager Abel Ferreira. During that conference, she insisted that Danilo Santos remains a priority target this summer. And, crucially, the player’s own wishes work in their favour.
“As I said, we are indeed still interested in the player, but we have no new information for you journalists,” she said.
“Director Anderson Barros has been in almost daily contact with Botafogo and Danilo’s agents. Our interest remains, and we are working towards signing him. He wants to return home. I believe that, but it also depends on Botafogo. He wants to come to Palmeiras.”
ABCD then explain that Palmeiras have made an official offer for the 25-year-old midfielder. Their current offer is worth €20m, but Botafogo are looking for €40m.
Zenit St Petersburg have also made a €30m offer. Now Palmeiras are assessing their options and considering increasing their offers or including another player in the deal.
€40m asking price
This should all be of interest to Newcastle. The Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for the former Nottingham Forest midfielder over the last few weeks.
Sport Witness have covered various reports about that interest. In fact, one report this week suggested his agents, Bertolucci Sports, are trying to get the midfielder to St James Park. They also represent Bruno Guimaraes.
The idea is to replace one of their clients with another in the North East. Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a potential move to Arsenal.
Now it seems that they, and Newcastle, might have some convincing to do. If Pereira is to be believed, Danilo has other plans this summer.
