ESPN Brazil first reported the details of Newcastle United's internal discussions, describing the interest as "embryonic" and noting that the club know the player well and that Eddie Howe believes he could be a strong addition.
The admiration from the manager carries genuine weight — it elevates this beyond a routine scouting report into a situation that could develop quickly depending on how the financials are resolved.
Danilo returned to Botafogo last summer from Nottingham Forest on a deal worth around €25m after suffering a season-ending injury at the City Ground on the opening day of the 2024-25 campaign.
Since recovering, he has been one of the most dynamic central midfielders in South American football. He has contributed nine goals and two assists across 21 appearances in all competitions this season and earned his first call-up to the Brazil squad under head coach Carlo Ancelotti for the World Cup.
Botafogo's asking price is around €40m and the club will not negotiate with Brazilian rivals Flamengo or Palmeiras, who have both submitted offers — Flamengo formally bid €32m, which was rejected. The club's preference is a European sale, making a Premier League club the most realistic destination.
Newcastle's position is complicated by two structural issues. The first is financial — they privately view the €40m figure as excessive and are exploring whether Botafogo will negotiate after the tournament. The second is sporting. Danilo wants to play Champions League football and Newcastle will not be in Europe at all next season. That is described in the Brazilian reporting as a potential deal-breaker, a "breaking point" for the player.
Manchester United have also tracked Danilo for an extended period, viewing him as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro. Fulham made a rejected bid of approximately €30m in September 2025 and remain interested. Arsenal have also been credited with preliminary enquiries. The four-way competition from England alone gives Botafogo strong leverage to hold their price after the World Cup.