Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield options this summer, and they have now opened talks to bring in a second signing.

The club have already completed an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil star Ederson in a deal worth £38m including add-ons, with a medical the only thing still to be done before he puts pen to paper on a long-term contract.

But United are also now in the hunt to bring one of his Brazil teammates to Old Trafford following their elimination from the World Cup, as they look to secure a bargain signing that Premier League fans may recognise.

Man Utd Open Talks to Sign Danilo Santos

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According to Brazilian media outlet O Dia, via Sport Witness, Man Utd have opened talks with Botafogo over a deal to sign central midfielder Danilo Santos.

Danilo, who has previously featured in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest, was part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad during the World Cup, but managed just 44 minutes during the tournament, as he fell behind Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order in the centre of the pitch.

Botafogo had been hopeful that the 25-year-old would have a good tournament in order to raise his value ahead of a transfer away this summer, but his lack of game time means they are now unlikely to even be able to fetch the €40m (£34m) they had been demanding prior to the tournament.

Danilo has made it clear that his preference is a return to Europe’s top leagues after an injury-hit spell in England previously, and United are reported to have been paying attention to his situation over recent months.

Now talks have been opened to find out the conditions of a deal, and then the Reds will make a decision on whether to proceed with a deal or look at alternative options instead.

Man Utd Looking at Wildcard Options

After missing out on top options Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes for the midfield, Man Utd have been forced to begin looking at alternative options to fill the void left by Casemiro’s departure.

Danilo has enjoyed a fine goalscoring return to Brazil which earned him a call-up to the national team, but he is also capable of doing the hard yards in a deeper role, and ticks the boxes that Michael Carrick wants as an all-action midfield player who can play alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

The club are clearly casting their net far and wide to ensure they bring in the players they feel they need, and this is one to pay attention to in the coming weeks now that Brazil are out of the World Cup.

Liverpool are making phone calls to sign a player FSG believe is ‘world-class’ as they look to land their second new summer signing after Victor Munoz, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool swooped in out of nowhere to hijack Newcastle United’s move to sign Spain international Munoz from Osasuna last month, but it is the only new business they have done with Jeremy Jacquet’s summer arrival confirmed after a deal was agreed for the French centre-back in the January transfer window.

The Reds had their eyes on exciting RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande heading into the summer, and at one point there was confidence that the player wanted to move to Anfield and wear the famous red shirt.

However, the 19-year-old has instead decided he would prefer to join Paris Saint-Germain instead, with the Champions League holders currently working on deals to sign the Ivory Coast international and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

Liverpool have been forced to turn to alternative options as a result, and PSG’s pursuit of Diomande and Akliouche might actually turn out to be a positive for Andoni Iraola and the recruitment team.

Should both deals get done, it is more likely that Bradley Barcola will be allowed to leave the Parc des Princes, with Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele already two of their most regular starters on the flanks.

Romano: Liverpool Making Phone Calls to Sign Barcola

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According to Romano, Liverpool have now put Barcola at the very top of their winger wishlist as they look to replace Salah.

The Reds tried to sign the France international from PSG last summer with FSG believing he is ‘world-class’, but no move materialised and the 23-year-old ended up remaining with the Ligue 1 champions.

However, Liverpool and Premier League winners Arsenal are making phone calls about signing the forward, who is currently preparing for a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday evening.

Issuing a new update on Barcola’s situation and Liverpool’s interest, Romano said on his YouTube channel:

“I maintain my information since April, and I stand by my information. I keep telling you, don’t forget Liverpool, because both Liverpool and Arsenal are calling for Barcola.

“Liverpool have the player at the very top of their shortlist since the summer transfer window 2025 and Liverpool remain interested in Barcola, so Barcola is 100% on the list of Liverpool. I maintain my information.”

While there may be a fear that no deal can be done until after France either win the World Cup or are knocked out of it, Liverpool did complete a deal for Munoz, who is still in the competition with Spain.

Liverpool Eyeing Move for Real Madrid Star

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There could also be changes in Liverpool’s midfield this summer, with Curtis Jones continuing to be linked with a move away and doubts over the long-term future of Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.

Liverpool could bring in a new midfielder, and they are being linked with a move to sign another France international in Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.

The 23-year-old could be sold by Real this summer and he could also provide competition for Milos Kerkez too, given he has featured regularly at left-back for the La Liga giants in recent seasons.

Manchester United are expected to welcome one of their for-sale stars to return to base after he is done with this summer’s World Cup. The Red Devils have struggled to land targets so far in this window, but they have landed Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson pending a second medical.

Michael Carrick wants another midfielder to replace Casemiro, and that search is ongoing after Tottenham beat Man Utd to the signing of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. United could also go for a winger after the midfield is taken care of, and we could yet see sales before the end of the transfer window in early September.

Rashford to be sold, but not yet

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Marcus Rashford has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer after his impressive Barcelona loan spell. The forward scored 14 and assisted as many for the Blaugrana last season, playing a central role in them winning their second successive LaLiga title.

Rashford fell out with former boss Erik ten Hag, leading to two loan spells, but there have been more than one change of manager since then, and in Michael Carrick, he is likely to find an ally. But there is also a business reality to the situation, and Rashford is on a huge wage that actually increased this summer.

For that reason, according to The Guardian, it remains United’s priority to offload him, but the club’s previously harsh stance will not extend to Carrick’s reign. While Rashford is a United player, he will be welcomed back for pre-season training, after the World Cup, along with first-team players, and he is actually expected to start the new season at Old Trafford.

Rashford’s likely suitors this summer

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Rashford is likely to have options this summer, but he will likely need to be patient in finding his next club. Barcelona had the chance to sign him permanently for just £26million, but they did not act, deciding to concentrate fully on their search for a Robert Lewandowski replacement. Barca know that could be a costly venture, and they don’t want to limit their striker search with any signings before that.

United are now said to be asking for £40million, but that fee could come down, given clubs know the Old Trafford club want to shift Rashford’s wages. When it comes to maximising profit on a sale, it is never good for others to know there is a need to sell.

Elsewhere, Tottenham have been linked with a move as they continue their club-record window as far as spending goes. Roberto De Zerbi needs a new winger, and he is likely to prioritise a winger who can also play up top, meaning Rashford fits the bill. But Spurs will also have other targets this summer.