Man Utd Hold Formal Talks Over Deal For €51m-Rated Liverpool Target

The January transfer window is now closed but that won’t stop the newspapers from speculating ahead of the summer so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Man Utd are ahead of Liverpool in the race Porto star Danilo….

Manchester United have opened formal talks with FC Porto over a potential deal to sign €51m-rated Liverpool target Danilo at the end of the season, according to reports.

Danilo has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting right-backs since joining Porto from Santos in 2011 but his future at the Estadio do Dragao is under increasing doubt as he’s yet to agree terms over a new deal.

The 23-year-old’s current contract is set to expire in 2016 and recent reports claim negotiations over an extension have now stalled. Porto are keen to keep hold of him but are likely to cash-in this summer if no new deal is signed over the coming months as they won’t want to lose him for nothing.

The uncertainty over his future has led to speculation linking the Brazilian international with a whole host of top clubs with Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all understood to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

However, it looks as though United are now the front-runners as the Metro claim the Red Devils have opened formal talks with Porto about a deal to take Danilo to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Louis van Gaal is expected to splash the cash once again this summer as long as United qualify for the Champions League and the Dutchman is likely to be in the market for a right-back as Rafael has endured a frustrating injury-plagued campaign while Antonio Valencia and Paddy McNair have been forced to fill-in.

READ MORE –> Liverpool transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Danilo would certainly be an exciting signing if United could pull it off but they may have to dig deep if they want to land the Brazilian as it’s understood his buy-out clause stands at a hefty €51m (£37m).

United will no doubt try and bring the price down considerably but Porto are known to be tough negotiators and usually get top dollar when they sell their key men, while interest from the likes of Liverpool will also ensure the price is high, so van Gaal may have to spend big if he’s to lure Danilo to Old Trafford this summer.