The stock of FC Porto right-back Danilo has risen considerably in past few days and his excellent displays have not gone unnoticed in Spain as clasico rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are ready to battle it out for the signature of the Brazilian.
Danilo, 24, has become the most consistent player of FC Porto this season. Impressive displays of the Brazilian have saved the day for Portuguese club on numerous occasions this season and the youngster was again on target in their UEFA Champions League game against FC Basel on Wednesday.
The contract of Danilo is set to expire in 2016 at FC Porto and no progress over the extension of the same has been made yet. The Brazilian is reluctant to extend his stay at FC Porto as he has now set his heart on a move to the bigger club.
Host of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Man United, Bayern Munich and Man City are keeping a tab on the contract situation of Danilo but the real fight is only between the Clasico duo.
Dani Alves is almost certain to leave FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window as his contract at the club comes to an end in July. No progress has been made over the extension of Alvesa contract has been made yet and the club has already started looking for the replacement of the Brazilian and Danilo is on top of their wish list.
FC Barcelona are banned from signging any new player until January 2016 by FIFA over alleged violation of its transfer policy concerning the deals of under-18 players. However, the management of FC Barcelona is confident that they can pursuade the FC Porto authorities to wait for them until January 2016.
Eternal rivals of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid do not face any such techincal problem and they want to sign Danilo as a long term replacement of Alvaro Arbeloa. Dani Carvajal has become a regular starter for Real Madrid, ahead of Arbeloa, under Carlo Ancelotti this season but the club management wants to add more depth to their squad.
Meanwhile, reports coming from Spain have also confirmed the ongoing tussle between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid for the signature of Danilo.
Marca has claimed in its story that the auction for Danilo has already started, with far more bidders out to sign the player than just Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Added to the two Spanish big guns are other European footballing superpowers that have already made moves to close in on the Brazilian. The full-back is looking to be the darling of this summer’s market window.