Manchester United have submitted a bid to sign Botafogo midfielder Danilo as their summer plans to strengthen their central midfield continue.

Man United clearly have big plans to significantly improve their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

Red Devils chiefs are ready to back Michael Carrick in the transfer market following his appointment as permanent United manager, as he secured a third-place finish in the Premier League having beaten all of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa during his caretaker spell in charge.

While United could look at bolstering their attack, in the full-back areas and in goal if players depart Old Trafford during the close season, the undoubted priority is in central midfield.

Just months after he asked to leave on loan, they have been boosted by the form of a rejuvenated Kobbie Mainoo in the centre, but now they need to find players to complement him ahead of the new season.

Casemiro’s exit is already confirmed on the expiry of his contract next month, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to follow him out of the club after a disappointing two-season spell at Old Trafford.

Should the Uruguayan leave, United could add up to three new midfielders to Carrick’s squad.

Botafogo ‘Receive Offer’ From Man United for Danilo

Manchester United are already ‘very close’ to an agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, according to Fabrizio Romano, but he might not be the only Brazilian midfielder arriving at Old Trafford in the coming months should a move get the green light.

According to UOL Esporte, United are one of four European clubs to submit an offer to Botafogo to sign 25-year-old midfielder Danilo this summer.

Serie A duo AC Milan and Atalanta have also made offers for the Brazilian ‘phenomenon’, as well as Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg.

After Danilo received a call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, Botafogo believe that he could be worth more after the tournament has concluded.

Despite interest from fellow Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Palmeiras, the former Nottingham Forest star is more inclined to seal a return to European football this summer.

Man United ‘Close to Agreement’ to Sign Sandro Tonali

While United are being linked with the likes of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni, it’s starting to appear as though Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali might become a key target with hopes of a deal for number one target Elliot Anderson fading.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder is the Red Devils’ top midfield target, but he is currently more likely to join Manchester City instead.

Reports in Italy over the last few days have suggested that Carrick has told United chiefs that he wants Tonali at Old Trafford after he established himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League.

A separate report believes that the Red Devils are actually closing in on an agreement to sign the Italy international from the Magpies, who are said to have placed a €100m (£86m) price tag upon his head.

United aren’t messing around in their bid to strengthen their midfield, but now they must decide which deals they are going to give the green light to, with a clear intention to wrap up at least some of their business before the World Cup kicks off on June 11.

Beyond most notably Arsenal’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, the domestic season is now over for Real Madrid and most other major European teams. As such, the transfer rumour mill has already started to pick up.

From the Premier League, one big topic is Anthony Gordon’s potential move to Barcelona, which could net Newcastle United around £70m. While one high-profile forward could be heading to La Liga, another could be departing.

Indeed, after two seasons without a league or Champions League title, Kylian Mbappe has been linked with an exit from Madrid this summer. Already, a number of Premier League clubs appear to be in the running for his signature, with few clubs in the world likely to turn down a chance to land the 2026 Ballon d’Or contender.

Mbappe Tipped for England Move Amid Issues at Madrid

In May, it was reported that Mbappe is becoming ‘increasingly isolated’ at Real Madrid and many of his teammates are ‘frustrated’ with his behaviour. The Frenchman is said to have shown an extremely ‘self-centred’ attitude both on and off the pitch, allegedly disrespected a member of staff during training and once arrived 40 minutes late for a team lunch.

He wasn’t punished for the incidents, which may explain why he reportedly has lost support within the dressing room. It’s claimed he is now only close with Real Madrid’s French players: Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

With rumours of his discontent making plenty of headlines, French journalist Julien Laurens – who is also the author of a definitive biography of Mbappe – has suggested that Liverpool could be an ideal eventual destination for the Frenchman, as his mother loves the Anfield outfit.

Speaking on TalkSport, he said: “I think Real Madrid was always the dream and he’s got long-term contract. He’s 27 going on 28. He will be 28 in December. I think I can see him staying there for a long time but then I don’t think it’s impossible to see him [leave] at some point.

“It’s funny because all those of English teams tried to sign him when he was 12, 14, 15, 17. Some went all the way to Nice and parked the private jet at the airport just waiting in case he was not staying in Monaco and decided to leave.

“They were all there ready to make him an offer. So, maybe one day, I think he would be great in the Premier League. “I think he’s got the game for it and he watches it all.”

Mbappe Has Admitted His Mum ‘Loves’ Liverpool

That the player has actually already been linked with a move to Anfield this summer will only add fuel to the speculation. What’s more, Mbappe has previously gone on the record about how his mother, who also works as his agent, is such a big fan of the Premier League giants. Explaining how he considered a move to Liverpool in 2017, he recalled:

“We talked a little bit, but not too much. We talked a little bit.

“I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favourite club of my mum. My mum loves Liverpool. I don’t know why, you will have to ask her! It’s a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It’s a big club.”

It remains to be seen if any move is a realistic option to even consider this summer for Mbappe, Madrid and Liverpool. However, the Reds will likely look to the transfer market to help deal with the high-profile exit of Mohamed Salah.