UMVA has learned that Manchester United have placed a decisive bid for Botafogo midfielder Danilo, intensifying their quest to reshape a midfield in flux.
With Casemiro poised to leave Old Trafford, the Red Devils have declared rebuilding their engine room as the summer’s top priority, eyeing at least two fresh signatures to fill the void.
Names such as Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni dominate the shortlist, while Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton linger as viable alternatives.
Adding another layer to the drama, United are on the brink of clinching Ederson from Atalanta, with a £38 million deal reportedly close to completion.
In a parallel pursuit, UMVA can exclusively reveal that United have also targeted a 25‑year‑old Brazilian selected by Carlo Ancelotti for this summer’s World Cup, sparking a four‑way contest with Milan, Atalanta and Zenit St Petersburg.
Botafogo, aware that the World Cup could inflate his market value, remain reluctant to rush a decision, though they monitor interest from Palmeiras and Flamengo.
Danilo’s résumé includes a Premier League stint at Nottingham Forest, where he arrived in 2023 for £18 million, made 34 appearances before a severe ankle injury, and later helped the club secure a seventh‑place finish after returning to action.
His journey continued with a £21 million move to Botafogo, and sources confirm his preference to return to Europe, keeping United’s ambitions alive.
Meanwhile, United have reportedly secured personal terms with Ederson, positioning him as the inaugural signing of the Michael Carrick era.
Despite United’s focus on Anderson as a primary target, the England international appears inclined toward a move to Manchester City, adding another twist to the midfield reshuffle.
