Report: City surpasses Chelsea in pursuit of Real Madrid's Danilo
Manchester City has reportedly overtaken Chelsea in the race to secure the signature of Danilo from Real Madrid.
A day after the Premier League champion reportedly submitted an offer for the Brazilian international, Manchester City has emerged as the likeliest club to sign Danilo after engaging in advanced contract talks with the player's representatives, according to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports.
Juventus had been considered the favourite to land Danilo, but, according to Di Marzio, the Italian side was forced to withdraw its interest due to its lack of non-EU spots on the roster following the arrivals of Brazilian winger Douglas Costa and Argentinian midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
Marca's Hugo Cerezo reports Real manager Zinedine Zidane is reluctant to part ways with Danilo but is willing to sell the 26-year-old in an effort to provide him with consistent minutes. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo are currently the first-choice full-backs at Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite Danilo's lack of playing time since his arrival from FC Porto, Real Madrid is reportedly demanding a minimum transfer fee of €30 million (£26.6 million) - similar to the price paid to the Portuguese club in 2015.
His possible arrival at the Etihad Stadium would follow City's capture of Kyle Walker from Tottenham, with the two expected to rotate and compete for opportunities at right-back. The versatile Danilo, however, also has experience playing on the left.
Manager Pep Guardiola may not be finished upgrading the full-back ranks even if the team is successful in its bid for Danilo, as City reportedly remains in the running to sign AS Monaco defender Benjamin Mendy.
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Along with Walker, City has also secured the services of goalkeeper Ederson and Portuguese international Bernardo Silva this summer.