Sources: Man United plotting to sign Andrey Santos amid Chelsea ‘problem’
Man United are determined to strengthen their squad in January after a strong start to the season, with midfield additions top of their list of targets.
Ruben Amorim’s side beat Brighton 4-2 last time out, moving them up to sixth place in the Premier League table and just six points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided to support Amorim and is preparing to back him in the mid-season window to help further his ambitious plans.
Football Insider revealed last month that Man United are desperate to sign a new midfielder and it has become a priority for when the window opens.
Now, they have set their sights on Chelsea star Andrey Santos, 21, who was also linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea respond to Man United interest in Andrey Santos
Santos has made 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season, but just four of those have come from the start, leading to suggestions he could be tempted away.
The midfielder’s “problem” at Chelsea is the presence of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, and United would be prepared to offer him increased playing time.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Chelsea have no plans to lose the midfielder to a Premier League rival and he remains very highly regarded among those in positions of power at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I would be very surprised if Chelsea would even consider letting Andrey Santos go, especially to a Premier League rival in Man United.
“He’s a top young player, he’s very highly regarded within the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge.
“He had a very good season on loan at Strasbourg and has come back into the Chelsea side this season.
“The problem for Andrey Santos is that he’s got two world-class midfielders ahead of him, in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes. If they’re both fit, they will start most games.
“He’s made 11 appearances this season and scored in that Carabao Cup win against Wolves.
“I don’t imagine Chelsea will be looking to let him leave anytime soon. He’s under a long-term contract until 2030 at Chelsea as well.”
West Ham made a move for Santos in August before the Blues blocked their advances, and they are likely to take a similar stance with United’s interest.
Man United plot midfield signings after Casemiro latest
Despite the growing interest in Santos, United look set to miss out, and will be forced to assess their alternative options in the middle of the park.
The likes of Morten Hjulmand, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are high on their list, with a number of options being considered.
This comes as Football Insider revealed on 26 October that Man United will not trigger Casemiro’s contract extension, and he could soon be allowed to leave.
Amorim is not convinced by his current options in midfield, and uncertainty surrounding Casemiro’s future has only increased their urgency in the market.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Man United want to extend Casemiro’s contract, despite it having been “unthinkable” this time last year.
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