Manchester United are edging closer to a move for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.
Daily Mail Sport understands that a deal to bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford is progressing, with talks now underway.
Santos joined Chelsea from Brazilians Vasco da Gama in 2023 and made 43 appearances for the club last season, scoring three times.
While he is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge, he is not deemed a regular starter and officials have been willing to allow him to leave for the right price. They are seeking £50m and negotiations are continuing, according to those with knowledge of the situation.
United are keen to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Casemiro. That need was increased after Manuel Ugarte suffered knee ligament damage for Uruguay at the World Cup.
They have agreed a deal with Atalanta for fellow Brazilian Ederson, which is due to be concluded in the near future but missed out on England international Elliot Anderson, who joined rivals City for £116m, and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, who joined big-spending Tottenham Hotspur for £85m.
Santos had a loan spell at Vasco da Gama following his move to London and another at Nottingham Forest. However, he was recalled after making just two appearances in five months.
Santos was then sent to sister club Strasbourg for two spells, before returning to Chelsea at the start of last season and breaking into the first team.
Last season he played 27 times in the Premier League, scoring once, but was not selected in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Moses Caicedo, Santos’s rival for a first-team place, signed a new contract in April, committing himself to Chelsea until 2033.
