With Aladji Bamba already sealed and delivered, Newcastle United are finally making progress in their attempts to rebuild their midfield.
The AS Monaco arrives at the perfect time, with Bruno Guimaraes potentially heading for the exit door, but it’s still not a case of job done for the Magpies.
Eddie Howe needs another fresh face in the middle of the park whether his captain stays or goes, and that’s where Botafogo’s Danilo could come into play, as the former Nottingham Forest man looks to be on his way back to the Premier League this summer.
|
Newcastle’s new-look midfield |
|
|---|---|
|
Aladji Bamba |
Newcastle kept things quiet in pursuit of Bamba and no one will blame them after a year of last-ditch hijacks from other clubs. The AS Monaco man will be an excellent addition, especially out of possession. The new signing won 9.1 duels per game in Ligue 1 last season – more than any other midfielder. |
|
Joelinton |
He may be looking around and wondering just what happened to the robust midfield that Newcastle boasted, but Joelinton still has a job to do. Alongside a new pairing, the Brazilian will be more important than ever for Howe, as the Magpies adapt to life without Sandro Tonali and Guimaraes. |
|
Danilo |
Joelinton’s compatriot could certainly help in that department. While Newcastle are yet to agree a deal to sign Danilo, reports suggest that he could be on his way back to the Premier League to form an excellent, defensive partnership with Bamba at St James’ Park. The Brazilian also has an eye for goal, having scored seven for Botafogo this year. |
It’s all gradually beginning to come together in Tyneside, but they must not rest on their laurels. Danilo has to be the next name through the door after Bamba.
Botafogo ready to sell Danilo to Newcastle
According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Botafogo are ready to sell Danilo to Newcastle. This is because while he is ‘increasingly unlikely’ to stay put, any deal to sell him to another Brazilian side is now illegal due to their transfer rules.
The midfielder, who has a surprisingly cheap release clause worth just €20m (£17m), played in Botafogo’s 0-0 draw against Vitoria on Thursday evening, meaning he is now no longer eligble to feature for another team in Brazil this season.
Palmeiras were the top suitor in South America, but any move is now completely off the table, opening the door for those in Europe.
St James’ Park chiefs have launched contacts with Botafogo about a potential deal, but are running the risk of losing out to Zenit after the Russian club submitted an opening offer worth around £34m – double Danilo’s release clause.
Losing out on a top target is a feeling that Newcastle have become all too familiar with. They must not make the same mistake in the race to sign Danilo.
In a new midfield which will look more defensive than ever, a midfield star who has an eye for goal will act as the ultimate replacement for Guimaraes at just £17m.
