Atalanta move ahead of Newcastle United in race for Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos

Atalanta have moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos, with the Serie A club preparing to formalise their interest in the coming days.

According to O Globo, Atalanta have already advanced discussions with the player's representatives and are expected to submit an official offer to Botafogo within the next 48 hours. The move represents the strongest step yet in the battle for the highly-rated Brazilian.

Newcastle have been linked with Danilo throughout the summer, but the Premier League club are yet to make a concrete approach.

The report states that Botafogo are prepared to begin negotiations once Atalanta's bid arrives.

The Brazilian club are believed to value Danilo between €30 million and €40 million, although Atalanta's opening proposal is expected to be closer to €25 million.

While the two clubs remain some distance apart on valuation, talks are expected to begin shortly.

Danilo had previously been viewed as a potential option for Newcastle if Bruno Guimarães departed this summer.

Although that scenario has not materialised, the Magpies maintained an interest in the midfielder, who has openly spoken about his ambition to return to one of Europe's top leagues.

However, while Newcastle have continued to monitor the situation, Atalanta have taken decisive action by opening negotiations with the player's camp.

A move to Bergamo is understood to appeal to Danilo and his representatives.

Atalanta's reputation for developing young talent before selling players to Europe's elite is seen as an attractive pathway if a Premier League transfer does not materialise immediately.

For Newcastle, the latest developments raise fresh questions over whether they will revive their interest or allow another club to secure one of Brazil's most promising midfielders.

Atalanta are expected to submit their opening offer in the coming days, after which Botafogo will decide whether to enter formal negotiations. Newcastle United could still rejoin the race, but time is becoming an increasingly important factor as the Italian club moves closer to securing an agreement.