Nottingham Forest are reportedly targeting a move for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo.
The 21-year-old has made close to 150 appearances for the club since rising through the team’s youth ranks, making his first team bow aged 17. Operating as a defensive midfielder, Danilo was a virtual ever-present for Palmeiras as he helped the club claim the Serie A title, alongside Forest ’s new arrival Gustavo Scarpa.
His performances earned Danilo a call-up to the Brazil squad in June and Arsenal have previously been touted with a move for the number six. However, Forest are now said to be interested in bringing the highly-rated holding midfielder to England.
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The Telegraph reports that Steve Cooper ’s side are “in talks” over an £18m transfer, with a new midfielder considered a priority position, following Cheikhou Kouyate’s injury. It is suggested that the Reds could face competition for his signature, though, with other clubs also having expressed interest in Danilo.
Although previously linked with the two-time Copa Libertadores winner, Arsenal are said to no longer be chasing a deal for the Palmeiras starlet. Meanwhile, Forest are understood to be targeting a new midfielder, as well as a centre-back and striker, and the manager has been clear about his role in transfer dealings and relationship with sporting director Filippo Giraldi .
“It’s a busy time at the moment, with it being January and the obvious conversations around possible transfers. That’s really been my port of call ,” Cooper said. “I’m a head coach, it’s a football job, coaching the team. Most, if not all of my dialogue on a day to day basis, is with him (Giraldi). I don’t see any change for myself.”
He added: “We always try to have a collaborative approach in everything we do. I’m only interested in what’s next and looking forward; I’m not really one for looking back, because we’re in the middle of the season and in January we have the opportunity to improve the squad. We’ve also got a lot of games to play, so my focus needs to be on that.”
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