Manchester United are targeting Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who is valued at approximately £50 million. Talks between the two clubs have not yet commenced, but an offer is expected.
United's midfield search
After failing to secure deals for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United have turned their attention elsewhere as they aim to revamp their midfield under manager Michael Carrick. Bournemouth's Alex Scott also remains of interest to the club's hierarchy. Santos, 22, is currently behind Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea need to generate funds to support new head coach Xabi Alonso's squad rebuilding plans.
Santos open to exit
Santos is open to leaving Chelsea in pursuit of more regular playing time, as his path is blocked by Caicedo, who recently signed a contract extension. Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation as they seek a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is set to join Tottenham Hotspur.
Champions League return
Manchester United will return to the Champions League this season and have identified midfield as the area requiring the most investment. An agreement is already in place to sign Éderson from Atalanta for £35 million, although the deal has been delayed due to the player's late World Cup call-up. The club faces a shortage of midfield depth after Casemiro left and Manuel Ugarte suffered knee ligament damage in Uruguay's defeat to Spain last week.
Santos' career so far
Santos moved to Chelsea from Vasco da Gama for £18 million in 2023 and subsequently spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. He made 27 Premier League appearances last season, scoring once. He has earned six caps for Brazil but was not included in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad.
