Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as they seek to bolster a depleted midfield ahead of the new season.
The Red Devils have been left short of options following the departure of Casemiro after the expiry of his contract on 30 June, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to spend several months on the sidelines after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury during Uruguay’s World Cup clash against Spain.
The injury has also ended any prospect of Ugarte leaving Old Trafford this summer, forcing United to reassess their transfer plans.
United have already missed out on two of their primary midfield targets. Local rivals Manchester City secured the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a club-record £116 million deal on 25 June, while Tottenham Hotspur completed an £85 million move for West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes on 2 July.
Although United were prepared to match Tottenham’s offer for Fernandes, the club reportedly withdrew from negotiations to avoid an escalating bidding war.
The Premier League giants have also agreed a £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but the Brazilian’s participation at the FIFA World Cup has delayed the completion of his medical examination. He will also be entitled to a minimum three-week post-tournament break before linking up with his new club.
The delay leaves manager Michael Carrick with limited midfield options as the squad prepares to return for pre-season training on 9 July.
With Kobbie Mainoo still on World Cup duty and Mason Mount primarily viewed as an attacking midfielder, Carrick may have to rely on younger players during the early stages of pre-season.
Academy graduates Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher are among the available options, while prospects Jacob Devaney, Jack Moorhouse, Jayce Fitzgerald, Sekou Kone and Jim Thwaites could also feature in United’s opening friendlies against Wrexham on 18 July and Rosenborg on 24 July.
However, the club will be eager to strengthen the squad before a more demanding pre-season schedule begins, including a high-profile friendly against Atletico Madrid on 1 August.
Santos has now emerged as a potential solution. The 21-year-old Brazilian enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg last season and is believed to be available as Chelsea look to streamline their squad.
Regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest young midfielders, Santos is seen as an affordable option capable of adding energy, composure and quality to United’s midfield.
Whether Chelsea are prepared to sanction the sale of the youngster to a Premier League rival remains uncertain, but United are expected to step up their pursuit as they look to resolve their midfield shortage before the start of the new campaign.
