Newcastle United remain one of the leading contenders for Danilo Santos. Fresh reports from Brazil suggest both the Botafogo midfielder and his club are fully aligned on securing a move back to European football this summer. But there is another possible destination.
Whiile Palmeiras continue to be linked with the 25-year-old, the latest information from Brazil indicates a return to the Premier League remains the clear objective.
Player’s camp makes Premier League stance clear
Journalist Jorge Nicola says Danilo’s representatives have rejected suggestions that Palmeiras is the player’s preferred destination.
Instead, Nicola claims those managing the midfielder’s career have made their position clear after speaking with him throughout the week.
“I’ve been speaking daily with the people who manage Danilo’s career,” Nicola explained. “The priority is to play in England, preferably for a club competing for titles.”
According to the journalist, only if an agreement with an English club cannot be reached would Danilo begin considering alternatives elsewhere in Europe.
“And only as a last resort would he remain in Brazilian football, with Palmeiras then becoming the preferred option,” Nicola added.
That version directly contradicts recent comments from Palmeiras president Leila Pereira, who suggested the midfielder wanted to join the Brazilian club.
Botafogo expect European transfer
The player’s stance mirrors Botafogo’s own plans. According to O Globo, there is little expectation inside the club that Danilo Santos will play for them again. This is despite being due to report back for pre-season on Monday.
Rather than rushing into a sale, Botafogo are said to be working patiently to complete a deal with two clubs only: either Newcastle or Zenit.
The Brazilian side are under less financial pressure following a first round of investment from GDA Luma. This allows them to wait for an offer they consider suitable.
The newspaper also reports there is little belief Palmeiras will reach Botafogo’s valuation. So that leaves Newcastle in the picture.
The Magpies have been repeatedly linked with Danilo as a potential replacement should Bruno Guimarães leave this summer. The latest reports continue to place Eddie Howe’s side among the clubs best positioned to strike a deal.
There is, however, another element to monitor. Newcastle are also pursuing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall. He is a player who operates in a similar box-to-box role while being four years younger than Danilo Santos.
Should that pursuit accelerate, it could ultimately influence how strongly the Magpies continue to push for the Botafogo midfielder.
For now, though, the aim is a move back to Europe, with the Premier League sitting at the top of the list. But it won’t be that easy.
