United zero in on South American sensation as new “main target” to replace Casemiro – ESPN

Manchester United are ready to ramp up their pursuit of Danilo as Botafogo appear resigned to losing their midfield dynamo this summer, according to a report from Brazil. The Heir to Casemiro The Red Devils’ most urgent priority is signing a successor to Casemiro, who will play his last game for the club against Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend. Both the player and club have mutually agreed not to trigger a one-year extension in his expiring contract, with the 34-year-old Brazilian ready to move to Major League Soccer. Inter Miami are said to be leading the race for his signature, though LA Galaxy are refusing to give up hope of muscling in on the deal. United are intent on signing two midfielders, with a third expected to arrive if a buyer is found for Manuel Ugarte. However, the bulk of the budget will be directed towards a defensive enforcer to replace Casemiro. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is understood to be the leading contender, though Real Madrid superstar Aurélien Tchouaméni is an ambitious alternative after recent developments in the Spanish capital. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) are other names on the wish list with the requisite physicality to bolster the engine room. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), by contrast, is considered too similar to Kobbie Mainoo to form a complementary partnership. However, cheaper options are also being considered should United be unable to close deals for their primary targets, including Atalanta warrior Ederson. Danilo, the 25-year-old Brazil international, is believed to be quickly rising as a priority in the corridors of power at Old Trafford. New Main Target ESPN Brazil claims United now consider Danilo their “main target” to take the reins from Casemiro in midfield. The Mancunian club are “closely monitoring” his situation with Botafogo, with the Brasileiro Série A side said to be “counting on the sale of its star player to ease its financial strain.” Botafogo’s rival, Palmeiras, are also vying for the former Nottingham Forest man’s signature, while Flamengo have also held talks with the Bahia native’s camp, sparking a red-hot race between the two Brazilian sides. The player is open to remaining in his homeland if a “significant offer” from abroad does not materialise. Alongside Casemiro, he was selected by Carlo Ancelotti this week for the Seleção at the World Cup this summer. Botafogo are understood to be asking for a fee in the region of £35 million for their prized asset – a considerable outlay for a transfer in South America, but one which pales in comparison to the figures demanded for midfielders in England. Final Thoughts One of the key traits INEOS are prioritising in midfield is Premier League experience. While Danilo did not enjoy the best of spells with Forest, he remains well-versed in the speed and intensity of football on these shores. He has also shown marked improvements this season, adding a potent goal-scoring threat – nine goals and three assists in 21 games – to his already excellent defensive qualities. Arsenal and Fulham are believed to both be considering a swoop as well. If United are forced to look beyond their first-choice targets to succeed Casemiro, Danilo represents a high-upside option at a reasonable price that would allow more money to be invested elsewhere in the squad. Featured image from Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.