Manchester United is exploring a potential transfer for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as part of its ongoing search for new midfield talent. The club's interest is currently in its initial stages, with no formal contact made between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Sources indicate that Santos may become available due to his current position in Chelsea's midfield hierarchy, where he is behind players like Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Caicedo's recent contract extension further solidifies his long-term presence at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle United is also reported to be interested in the 22-year-old Brazilian. Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama for approximately £18 million three years ago and has previously spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. Chelsea is believed to value him at around £50 million, though Manchester United's willingness to meet that valuation remains uncertain.
Manchester United has already agreed to a £39 million deal for Ederson from Atalanta and continues to show interest in Alex Scott of Bournemouth. However, Bournemouth is reluctant to part with Scott and is reportedly seeking around £80 million for him.
The club's midfield recruitment drive comes after the departure of Casemiro as a free agent and the serious knee injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte during the World Cup. Ugarte's injury likely impacted any potential move he might have made from his current club.
Previously, Manchester United had identified Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes as key midfield targets. However, Anderson is nearing an £116 million transfer to Manchester City, and Fernandes recently completed an £85 million move to Tottenham Hotspur from West Ham United. Both transfers represent club record deals and highlight the competitive market for midfielders this summer, with several top Premier League clubs prioritizing reinforcements in that area.