Newcastle given hope in Danilo pursuit as Botafogo rule out sale to rival - Report
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Brazilian midfielder Danilo as they look to strengthen the midfield.
The Magpies have signed Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba this summer, and if they manage to retain the services of Bruno Guimarães, they may be done with looking at midfield targets.
Joe Willock could still leave, with Besiktas hoping to sign the former Arsenal man, but we feel like we're covered for his exit already.
Bruno is still being strongly linked to Arsenal even though the Gunners have yet to come forward with any form of contact. Should that deal go through, then that could open the door for his compatriot, Danilo.
Danilo wants a return to the Premier League
Brazilian side Palmeiras are very keen on Danilo and have already seen a £23.5 million bid rejected by Botafogo.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Botafogo have no intention of selling to a domestic rival, which leaves the door open for Newcastle to make an approach.
Danilo, who spent two seasons at Nottingham Forest, is thought to be keen on a return to the Premier League and Newcastle are 'viewed favourably' by his representatives.
A sub-£30m Brazilian international doesn't sound too bad
It's not clear whether Botafogo rejected Palmeiras' bid purely because they're a rival club or whether they would also be demanding a higher fee, but even at sub £30 million, Newcastle could be getting a bargain.
The preference is, of course, to keep hold of Bruno Guimarães and not have to worry about signing another midfielder right now, especially with several other positions in desperate need of strengthening.
Danilo probably feels he has a point to prove in the Premier League after his time with Forest didn't go as he'd have hoped. Since he left The City Ground, he's really got his career back on track, so we do feel he could be a good signing if we end up needing him.
Not to keep going on about Sean Steur, but the way he played on Saturday was very reminiscent of Bruno, so we do potentially have a replacement on the books already, albeit one that won't be anywhere near Bruno's level for a few years yet.
