Newcastle United will know better than most how tricky it can prove to convince players to join a team outside of Europe. Very recently, they failed to complete a deal to sign Johan Manzambi, even though an agreement had been found on a fee with SC Freiburg.
Manzambi was not keen on the idea of joining Newcastle United though. Instead, he opted for Aston Villa and that move to Birmingham has now been officially announced.
That means that Newcastle United are still in search of reinforcements in midfield. This has grown in urgency due to the departure of Sandro Tonali, joining Tottenham Hotspur in a £100 million transfer.
They will surely have alternatives picked out already, as the move for Manzambi had always been in doubt, even when the fee had been agreed. So, the Magpies must have already gotten indications that the Swiss midfielder could head elsewhere. Fortunately, it looks like one of their current midfield targets is open to the idea of heading to St James’ Park.
Brazilian midfielder thought to be open to Newcastle United move
According to Brazilian publication O Globo (via Football FanCast), Newcastle United are considering a formal approach to sign Botafogo midfielder Danilo.
Danilo is willing to reject the advances of Palmeiras to join a top European club, suggesting he is open to moving to St James’ Park.
Of course, Danilo has been a standout in the Brazilian Serie A. So much so that it was enough to earn him a spot in Brazil’s World Cup.
He was not a mere passenger on the plane either. Danilo did make four appearances for Brazil at the World Cup this time around. A move back to Europe could be on the cards next.
Danilo already has Premier League experience
Of course, Danilo already has experience playing in England. He was on the books at Nottingham Forest for a couple of years before heading back to Brazil. So, the adjustment period should not be tough or long.
There does seem to be enough interest in him following the World Cup. Newcastle United are not the only Premier League club to be linked with the Brazilian midfielder recently.
Of course, considering how things have played out lately, that could be a worry for the club. It remains to be seen if they are able to win the race to sign Danilo.
It looks like a formal approach to sign him is not far away. Earlier reports suggested that it could take a transfer fee in the region of €40 million to sign him.
