Manchester United are looking to secure the services of FC Porto defensive midfielder Danilo Pereira. According to recent reports in the Portuguese media, the Red Devils are set to go head to head with Arsenal in pursuit of the Portuguese midfielder. It is being reported that both clubs sent scouts to watch him in action against Tondela on Friday. The Portuguese newspaper A Bola suggests that the Premier League pair are both interested in the player, with him being the ‘preferred target’.
FC Porto secured a narrow 1-0 victory with Moussa Marega’s goal enough to make the difference in the contest. Despite Marega’s match-winning performance, the same report claims that Danilo was the best player on the pitch. The Portuguese newspaper A Bola rated his display 8/10 which is a really good rating in the Portuguese press. The 26-year-old has been in sensational form this season which has led to his growing list of Premier League admirers. It is also believed the Red Devils have made a habit of sending scouts out to watch the biggest matches in Portuguese football. Hence, it should not come as a surprise that one of their scouts were present during the game.
The FC Porto midfielder has featured in 27 matches for his club this season, scoring 4 goals and makings 3 assists across all competitions.
Manchester United are currently in second place in the Premier League standings, with a tally of 53 points in 24 league matches. On any other season, they would be in with a shout of winning the league title. However, with Manchester City’s record-breaking form in this campaign, the Red Devils find themselves 12 points behind their ‘noisy neighbours’.
Jose Mourinho could finally look to address his defensive midfield options with Nemanja Matic, his only consistent performer in that position. Both Daley Blind and Ander Herrera has been surplus to requirements at Old Trafford this season and has found game time limited under their Portuguese manager. Michael Carrick could possibly depart the club as well in the near future which makes it an ideal option for United to look for Danilo’s signature in the near future.
The 26-year-old midfielder has made 113 appearances for FC Porto during his career, scoring 14 goals and making six assists. He is highly versatile and can operate as a defensive midfielder or play in central defence. Danilo also has a knack for scoring goals which could make him an ideal fit to play under Mourinho. It remains to be seen if the Red Devils can manage to fend off stiff competition from Arsenal in pursuit of the Portuguese midfielder.
