Chelsea are bracing themselves for a bid for Andrey Santos.
The Blues have been one of the busiest clubs during the early stages of the summer transfer window.
Marc Cucurella has already joined Real Madrid, Tyrique George is on the verge of joining Everton and Enzo Fernandez is also looking for a way out.
And in addition to those two, another one who could go is 22-year-old Santos.
Chelsea recently decided the midfielder is available for transfer this summer due to the club needing to raise funds in order for Xabi Alonso to make all the signings he needs.
Manchester United set to make Andrey Santos offer
Santos has been a Chelsea player since he signed from Vasco de Gama in 2023 but has struggled to break into the first team.
He has been forced to accept back-to-back loan moves to sister-club Strasbourg and Nottingham Forest, but this summer could see him find a new home.
After missing out on Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes, who both joined Spurs, the Red Devils, according to The Guardian, have turned their attention to Chelsea's young Brazilian.
Although both clubs are not yet in talks, Manchester United are expected to make an offer. Chelsea value Santos at £50 million — a significant increase on the £18 million they paid for him three years ago.
Michael Carrick's Red Devils aren't the only Premier League club interested in Santos, though.
Newcastle United are also on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder, presumably to replace the recently departed Tonali.
The Magpies have yet to make a signing this summer but could join Manchester United in a bidding war for Santos.
Why Santos wants to leave Chelsea
Despite admitting he's planning for next season with Chelsea earlier this year, the mounting interest has seen the young Brazilian change his stance.
The 22-year-old is believed to now want to leave Stamford Bridge in search of a new challenge.
There is a feeling that Santos has no clear path to regular first team football following Moises Caicedo's decision to extend his contract earlier this year.
Combined with the fact Manchester United can offer European football next season whereas Chelsea and Newcastle United can't, it would be reasonable to assume Santos would prefer a move to Old Trafford over St. James' Park.
During his time in west London, Santos, who has scored three goals and provided five assists in 47 matches in all competitions.
Add us as a preferred source on Google