Crystal Palace eye ambitious Danilo and Álvaro Montoro double deal for January

Crystal Palace have reportedly stepped up their interest in Botafogo stars Danilo and Álvaro Montoro, with a potential double transfer being explored ahead of the January window.

Palace’s interest in Danilo was already known, with the club’s head scout in the Americas, Alessandro Brito, recently confirming that the midfielder remains under observation.

Now Montoro has emerged alongside him as Palace assess whether bringing both players to Selhurst Park could be financially possible.

According to Gazeta Botafogo, Palace have started making enquiries over Danilo and Montoro ahead of January 2027.

The work is reportedly being conducted through the scouting department led by Brito, with initial conversations taking place over the possibility of signing the pair.

There is no formal offer or advanced negotiation at this stage. Palace are instead assessing the conditions of a potential double operation before deciding whether to move forward.

Danilo is the more established target.

Brito recently revealed that Palace have been monitoring the midfielder “game by game”, with the Eagles looking to strengthen that area of their squad.

The latest development suggests their long-term scouting could now be moving towards something more concrete.

Montoro represents a more recent addition to Palace’s plans.

The 19-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder joined Botafogo in 2025 and has developed into one of the club’s most exciting young talents.

His progress has already attracted Premier League attention, with Brighton, Newcastle United and Wolves previously linked.

However, Palace could face a significant asking price.

Montoro signed a new Botafogo contract in August running until December 2030, leaving the Brazilian club in a strong negotiating position.

There is also previous evidence of how much Botafogo could demand.

Nottingham Forest were involved in discussions earlier this year over a proposed operation involving both players, with figures of around €19million (£16.5m) for Danilo and €14m (£12.2m) for Montoro reportedly discussed.

That deal ultimately collapsed amid Botafogo’s legal issues.

Palace are now considering whether they can revive the idea of taking both players to the Premier League.

Brito’s knowledge of the Brazilian market could prove important, particularly given his familiarity with both players from his previous work.

For now, Palace remain at the exploratory stage. But with January identified as the target window, the coming weeks could determine whether their interest develops into formal negotiations.

Palace must now establish whether signing both players is financially realistic before deciding whether to make an official approach.

Danilo appears the more advanced target given Palace’s established scouting work and their acknowledged desire to strengthen his position.

Montoro would add considerably more ambition to the operation. His age, attacking profile and long-term contract mean Botafogo have little reason to sell cheaply.

With January approaching, Palace’s early enquiries could give them an advantage if they decide the Brazilian pair are worth a combined investment.