Manchester United are gearing up for a potential swoop for Juventus’ skipper Danilo come January.
Ruben Amorim, who’s set to take the helm from caretaker Ruud van Nistelrooy on Monday, is already plotting reinforcements.
Since being named Erik ten Hag’s successor, Amorim has been constantly linked with poaching top talent from his former club Sporting Lisbon, with ace Viktor Gyokeres topping the wishlist.
However, in a press briefing, Amorim has ruled out any Sporting raids in the winter market, admitting: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January,” and acknowledging the steep price tag on Gyokeres: “Gyokeres costs €100million and it’s very difficult.”
With an eye on more attainable targets, Italian media reports hint that Amorim could be eyeing Danilo. The seasoned 33-year-old Juve captain, whose contract runs out season-end, is on the hunt for a new team. Danilo’s rep has been in talks with clubs for a possible 2025 move, and Amorim seems keen.
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The Brazilian veteran is seen as a quick fix to shore up United’s defence without breaking the bank, reports the Mirror.
Juve might consider selling this January as Danilo’s contract is ticking down to a June expiry, meaning they’d lose him for zilch. Meanwhile, INEOS must decide if they’ll break their norm of nabbing young guns with loads of potential and sell-on worth.
The summer saw them splash out a cool £52m upfront for Lille’s Leny Yoro and rope in Matthijs de Ligt for roughly £38m on Ten Hag’s behalf from Bayern Munich. But with Yoro sidelined since pre-season kablooey, Ten Hag and his mate Van Nistelrooy have been leaning on seasoned pro Jonny Evans.
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Harry Maguire is also benched, nursing his knocks. Danilo boasts not only the Juve captain’s armband but also Brazil’s, plus a couple of Premier League crowns from his 2017 to 2019 stint at Manchester City.
After a five-year spell conquering Serie A and bagging two Coppa Italias with the Italian titans, he’s now in United’s sights.