Newcastle intensify interest in Danilo - Report

With the January transfer market just around the corner, we currently have a general idea of just the kind of player Eddie Howe, Ross Wilson and the recruitment team have in mind to reinforce the squad.

Though the demand for healthy defensive options has certainly increased in the past few weeks, you’d expect us to still bring in another young midfielder over the coming weeks, if not then definitely by the start of next season.

A host of names have been linked, with AZ Alkmaar’s star youngster Kees Smit and France U-21 Kevin Danois the most prominent names on our radar.

But a few South Americans have been cropping up too, partially thanks to Steve Nickson’s scouting on the other side of the planet, and another Brazilian midfielder’s name has been mentioned as a potential signing…

Another Brazilian linked

According to a report from Brazilian outlet Portal do Gremista., Newcastle are ready to intensify their interest in Gremio's 17-year-old midfielder Danilo.

Having shown huge promise in their youth sides, Danilo has been scouted by clubs across Europe for over the past year, including Ligue 1 side Monaco.

Though currently under contract until December 2028, Danilo is said to have a €40m release clause, a similar figure to that of fellow Brazilian and recently linked Allan Elias.

However, where Allan Elias has been mentioned as a potential first team signing, Danilo would appear to be more of a project player, much like recent moves for Antonio Cordero and Vakhtang Salia.

Is now the time for project signings?

You would expect that we’re in a healthy financial situation in terms of bringing in players, particularly after the sales of Alexander Isak, Sean Longstaff and Lloyd Kelly this past summer.

However, at this moment of time, we have a tough choice to make: making project signings like Chelsea are doing that we develop, or making immediate reinforcements to ensure we stand the best chance of competing across all four competitions.

As promising as a player as Danilo looks to be, it’s a signing we’re much better off making either in the summer or beyond. Right now, it feels like full-back cover is the priority, although it would be great to see the club push for multiple deals in the new year.