Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confessed that he ‘likes’ Danilo but stopped short of confirming his interest in the Porto right-back.
Reports linking Los Blancos with the Brazil international came to a head on Thursday, when several of Spain’s most prominent newspapers claimed an agreement had been reached between both parties over a €20m summer transfer.
However, speaking ahead of Madrid’s encounter with Athletic Bilbao in La Liga at the weekend, Ancelotti refused to comment on the speculation.
“I know all the players in Europe, but we’re not thinking about signings at the moment. I like [Danilo], as I do many other players,” he told reporters.
“There’s no need to speak with [Alvaro] Arbeloa and [Dani] Carvajal because these kind of rumours are normal at this stage of the season.
“[Our free-kick system] is obvious. Cristiano takes them from the left and Bale from the right.
“[Martin Odegaard]’s doing well, training with the Castilla well and showing both quality and good personality in the very short time he’s been here.
“However, I don’t think he’ll be in the squad list for Tuesday because we’ll have [Luka] Modric back.
“The choice of a player depends on small details. [Lucas Silva] did well and looked composed in his first game [against Schalke].
“I liked his reading of the game, but these small details do not mean he’s in any way better than [Asier] Illarramendi.
“Sometimes one minute is all that’s need for the team to win, even 30 seconds. Real Madrid are above everything else.
“Jese was angry [about his recent outburst], but I talked to him and he understood [what I had to say] very well.”
