Newcastle hold pre-January discussions to sign ex-Nottingham Forest ace for Jaissle
Newcastle’s January planning appears to be gathering pace, with possible additions already being discussed.
One of the newest names is Benfica full-back Daniel Banjaqu, and reports in Portugal claim Newcastle have started preliminary work on the highly-rated teenager, although Man United, Barcelona and Inter Milan are also following his progress.
Valencia winger David Otorbi is another young player attracting attention, with Newcastle reportedly sending scouts to watch him against Racing Santander and were impressed by his direct display.
Newcastle are also believed to be tracking Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sučić.
An approach during the summer was turned away, but his limited role in Italy has raised suggestions that Inter could reconsider their position if the situation remains unchanged before January.
Those stories point towards a broad recruitment plan.
Newcastle are monitoring young players with room to improve, while also keeping an eye on midfielders who could chip in more quickly.
Brazil international Danilo falls firmly into the second category.
Newcastle make Danilo enquiry as £26m January transfer battle develops
According to RTI Esporte, Newcastle have already contacted Botafogo to ask about the midfielder’s situation.
Roma and Real Betis are also said to have made enquiries, while Crystal Palace continue to watch developments closely.
The Magpies’ approach is understood to have been an early fact-finding move as clubs prepare for the winter market, and Botafogo are not expected to welcome a cheap sale.
|
Danilo’s Botafogo league stats this season |
|
|---|---|
|
Total |
2026 Brasileirão |
|
Appearances |
23 |
|
Starts |
22 |
|
Substitute appearances |
1 |
|
Minutes played |
1,944 |
|
Goals |
10 |
|
Assists |
2 |
|
Goal contributions |
12 |
|
Goals per 90 |
0.46 |
|
Goal contributions per 90 |
0.56 |
|
Minutes per goal |
194 |
|
Shots |
41 |
|
Shots on target |
18 |
|
Pass accuracy |
84.7% |
|
Yellow cards |
2 |
|
Red cards |
0 |
The Brazilian side are reportedly looking for around £26m before seriously considering Danilo’s departure, but a price tag of that size is likely to fall well into Newcastle’s bracket.
His recent involvement with Brazil has brought more attention, while his previous spell with Nottingham Forest means Premier League clubs already know plenty about what he could bring.
Danilo would offer Jaissle an energetic and aggressive presence in central midfield, who can also regain possession, carry the ball through pressure and attack space when Newcastle move forward.
His familiarity with English football would also reduce some of the uncertainty which can surround a January signing.
He understands the speed and physical demands of the Premier League, even if he’d still need time to adjust to a new manager and system.
Newcastle’s interest is not entirely new, as Danilo was linked with a return to England during the summer, when his representatives were reported to be exploring potential options.
Roma can offer Serie A football, Betis provide an attractive route into Spain and Palace have reportedly watched him in person, but Newcastle are also big-name contenders.
For Newcastle, the enquiry is a sensible first step rather than a guarantee that a bid will arrive.
Ross Wilson and Jaissle will have several midfield targets under consideration as they decide where to spend in January, but if Newcastle want a midfielder capable of settling quickly while still offering long-term value, the former Forest man has an obvious case.
