Newcastle lead race for Danilo as fresh claims dismiss Palmeiras return

Newcastle United's pursuit of Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos has received a fresh boost after new reports in Brazil contradicted claims that the 25-year-old wants to return to Palmeiras.

Earlier this week, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira insisted Danilo's preference was to rejoin his former club. However, fresh information from Brazil now paints a very different picture, with the midfielder's representatives reportedly prioritising a move back to European football – and specifically the Premier League.

That leaves Newcastle well placed as Eddie Howe continues to assess midfield options ahead of the new season.

Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola reports that people close to Danilo have dismissed suggestions that a return to Palmeiras is the player's preferred outcome.

Instead, the midfielder is said to be focused on securing a move to England, ideally to a club capable of competing for major honours.

According to the report, Danilo would only begin considering alternative destinations elsewhere in Europe if a Premier League transfer fails to materialise. Remaining in Brazil is viewed as a last resort, with Palmeiras only becoming a realistic option if no suitable European move can be agreed.

Those claims directly contradict Pereira's recent comments and strengthen Newcastle's hopes of bringing the former Nottingham Forest midfielder back to England.

Botafogo are also believed to be preparing for Danilo's departure.

Reports from Brazil suggest the club do not expect the midfielder to remain beyond the current transfer window and are concentrating negotiations on just two clubs: Newcastle United and Zenit St Petersburg.

Having recently received fresh investment, Botafogo are under less pressure to accept a reduced fee and are prepared to wait for an offer that meets their valuation. That stance has effectively pushed Palmeiras to the sidelines, with the Brazilian club reportedly unlikely to match the asking price.

Newcastle's interest comes as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Bruno Guimarães, while the Magpies are also exploring a move for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

Whether those two pursuits are connected remains unclear, but Howe appears determined to strengthen his midfield before the window closes. For now, Danilo remains firmly on Newcastle's shortlist, with the player's desire to return to the Premier League potentially giving the Magpies a significant advantage.

Newcastle will continue monitoring Danilo's situation while assessing their wider midfield options. If Botafogo receive an offer that matches their valuation, talks could progress quickly, although the Magpies must also decide whether to prioritise the Brazilian or continue pursuing Bergvall before making their next move.

Should Newcastle prioritise signing Danilo this summer, or would Lucas Bergvall be the better long-term investment for Eddie Howe?