According to report saying that Nottingham Forest have launched an £18 million move for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, Telegraph Sport understands.
Forest are keen to further strengthen Steve Cooper’s squad in January and are targeting a new defensive midfielder before the end of the month.
Telegraph Sport understands Forest are in talks with Palmeiras over a move for Danilo, who is regarded as one of Brazilian football’s most promising young midfielders. They are not the only interested club, however, and the potential £18m fee could rise with add-ons.
Although If a deal can be completed, the Brazilian would become the second player to join Forest from Palmeiras in the January transfer window, after attacking midfielder Gustavo Scarpa.
Forest also want to sign a new centre-back and a striker this month, with Cooper saying on Monday that it is currently a “really busy” time at the club.
Speaking “We’re in the middle of the season in January and we have the opportunity to improve the squad,” said Cooper.
“I’m only thinking about what’s next. I’ve got a really strong relationship with Filippo [Giraldi, sporting director] and that’s good in trying to make the right decisions in terms of moving forward.
“It’s a really busy time with it being January and I do know there’s a lot of work going on.”
Danilo has been a regular for Palmeiras after breaking into their first team as a teenager. He has made more than 130 appearances for the Brazilian club over the last three years, including more than 50 appearances in 2022.
Arsenal are among the teams who have previously investigated the possibility of signing Danilo, although the north London club’s interest is understood to have cooled since the summer.
The midfielder said in November that he feels ready to make the move to Europe, telling UOL Esporte: “I see myself as mature enough to be able to play in any competition in the world.”
Danilo is a two-time Copa Libertadores winner and he was called up for the Brazil squad last year after he impressed at the Club World Cup, where Palmeiras were defeated in the final by Chelsea.
Despite making 23 signings since promotion, Forest need to bring in new recruits after injuries to Cheikhou Kouyate, Jesse Lingard, Moussa Niakhate, Omar Richards and Giulian Biancone.
