Nottingham Forest have booked a medical for Brazilian midfielder Danilo, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Reds have completed the deal and an official announcement is expected very soon.
The 21-year-old is expected to sign for the club on a long-term contract. He will leave after helping Palmeiras claim the league title last year; starring in the same team as Gustavo Scarpa.
Forest have moved quickly to add some steel to their engine room. Cheikhou Kouyate will be absent until March following the injury he sustained at the World Cup and a defence-minded player has been sought.
Danilo will leave Palmeiras after coming through the club’s youth ranks. He has become a star in the senior ranks, making 141 appearances for the club and attracting vast interest.
It’s perhaps remarkable that Forest are set to sign Danilo. It was only during the summer transfer window when Arsenal were desperately keen to try and sign the defensive midfielder.
Other clubs have also come forward – and ones who are more established at Forest. Newcastle, Leeds and Aston Villa were all looking at Danilo as an option this month but have now lost the race.
Danilo medical booked ahead of Forest coup
The Reds are getting themselves a gem of a player here. His big inspiration is N’Golo Kante and naturally, there will be a great deal of excitement around this particular deal.
Forest were always going to target some new players this month. They currently have eight players nursing injuries, with some more serious than others.
Steve Cooper has improved Forest considerably over the last few months. Since the World Cup, they’ve lost just once in four games and things can finally start to look a little rosier.
With Bournemouth and Leeds on the horizon, Forest have a seriously good chance to continue climbing the Premier League table.
Danilo will only enhance the squad. He is experienced beyond his tender years and is renowned for working tirelessly to help the team from the middle of the park.