According to Botafogo-affiliated outlet Fogão.NET, United have made contact to understand the terms of a potential deal, though the approach is described as exploratory rather than a formal bid.
The 24-year-old Brazilian is currently at the peak of his powers, having scored nine goals and provided three assists in 21 Brasileirão appearances — a return that has turned heads across Europe and earned him a place in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil plans for the World Cup.
Danilo joined Botafogo from Nottingham Forest last summer for €25 million following two and a half years in the Premier League, during which he made 62 appearances for the City Ground club. His time in England was disrupted by injury and was ultimately deemed unsuccessful by Forest's management at the time, but he has since rebuilt his reputation comprehensively in Brazil.
His connection to the Premier League is not merely professional. Those close to Danilo have indicated that a return to England is his personal preference, placing United and Fulham — who have been tracking him since early in the year — in a strong position compared to other interested parties that include Zenit, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Brazilian clubs Palmeiras and Flamengo.
Botafogo's stance is straightforward. They signed Danilo as an asset to develop and sell, they want a fee in the region of €40 million, and they believe the World Cup can only push that number higher. They have no interest in selling to a Brazilian rival.
United's internal view is that Danilo fits the profile of a Casemiro replacement — a combative, ball-winning midfielder with the stamina and reading of the game to anchor a midfield in a team competing across four fronts. Casemiro's contract expires in June and both parties have accepted a summer parting is the right outcome.
Fulham's advantage remains the depth of their early groundwork. They have been in dialogue with Danilo's camp since January and have signalled willingness to pay around €30 million. United entering the picture changes the dynamic, but their contact remains at the stage of information-gathering rather than negotiation.
The coming weeks will determine how seriously United decide to pursue this. If they move decisively before the World Cup, the fee is likely to be closer to €30 million. Wait until after the tournament and Botafogo's ambitions of €40 million become significantly more realistic.