Newcastle fans will love what Felipe Melo said about Danilo amid 'advanced talks'
Newcastle fans should be excited about potentially signing Botafogo midfielder Danilo after how a former Brazil international predicted his career to pan out.
Newcastle have identified Danilo as a top target to bolster their midfield options amid a major shake-up of Eddie Howe's squad.
Sandro Tonali completed a £100million move to Tottenham earlier in July, while Bruno Guimaraes has reportedly asked to leave as Arsenal plot a move for his services.
Danilo earned a place in Brazil's World Cup squad this summer after impressing for Botafogo across several competitions.
Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola has claimed that Newcastle lead the race for his services and are in 'advanced talks' with Botafogo, with Ross Wilson having worked with the midfielder at Nottingham Forest.
Some Newcastle supporters may be sceptical about their interest after he struggled to shine at Forest between 2023 and 2025, but Felipe Melo's recent comments should change their minds.
The 25-year-old looks to have revitalised his career in his home country, and may well be ready to have a better impact in the Premier League.
Felipe Melo thinks Danilo is 'the future' of the Brazilian national team
Danilo emerged as a key player at Palmeiras before making the move to Forest in January 2023 for a reported £16million fee.
He registered five goal contributions in 15 appearances for the Reds that season, then another five in 34 games in his first full campaign, before falling out of favour under Nuno Espirito Santo in 2024-25.
Danilo moved back to Brazil with Botafogo in July last year, and made an instant impact in the second half of their campaign.
He has registered 10 goals and three assists in 24 games so far in their 2026 season, and won his first international cap in March against France.
Former Brazil midfielder Melo, who played with Danilo at Palmeiras, heaped praise on him after he scored in his second game for the national side against Croatia.
Speaking on live TV, he said: “When he broke into the first team at Palmeiras, I was playing there; I was the team captain. He didn’t play the ball backwards, man. It was all vertical passes, all forward passes, you know? And I’m really pleased to see Danilo doing well for the Brazilian national team and at Botafogo, because, in a way, I managed to help him.
“I was able to help, as a more experienced player, by saying: ‘Look, with that pass, now’s the time to turn your foot, now’s the time to play it forward, now’s the time to get into the box.’ This player really is the future of the country, and has had character since he was a kid.
“The first opportunity he had (in the first team), there were two occasions where he should have played the ball out wide – which is what a 17- or 18-year-old playing at senior level would normally do – but he controlled it, turned his body, played a through ball, and it turned into a brilliant move. Luxemburgo (the manager) said, ‘That’s the one.’”
Such high praise for the 25-year-old regarding his international future, as well as his inclusion in their World Cup squad, clearly means that he can become a real key man at Newcastle if he makes the move soon.
How much do Newcastle want for Guimaraes?
Danilo looks a similar player to Brazil teammate Guimaraes, but with Tonali having already left for a hefty fee, Newcastle have no plans to let their club captain leave this summer.
Arsenal have been admirers of his for several months, after shock links to his services first emerged late in the winter window.
Sources have, however, exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle are demanding around £80m for Guimaraes in an effort to dissuade the Gunners from making an official approach.
New reports have stated that Arsenal first thought they would be able to sign the 28-year-old for £50m, but he will not be leaving for such a fee this summer.