Manchester United are weighing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as part of their midfield refresh, reports The Guardian.
Santos returned to Stamford Bridge last summer following an impressive loan stint with French side Strasbourg.
Santos struggled for game time last season
However, the 22-year-old found playing time hard to come by for the Blues with both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez ahead of the Brazilian in the midfield pecking order.
Indeed, Santos was restricted to just 13 league starts for the west London side last season.
Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, a move that would see the Swiss star reunite with Xabi Alonso.
Additionally, with a lack of European football next season, Santos’ minutes would be limited further as he seeks to return to the form he showed with Strasbourg.
And Chelsea are now prepared to cash in on Santos to fund a squad refresh under new head coach Alonso.
United eyeing up Chelsea outcast
The west London side value the youngster at £50m, though that fee is unlikely to deter United.
The Manchester side are looking to bolster in a key area following Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s injury.
Ugarte suffered a serious knee problem for Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup and there are reports that he won't play for United next season.
United are expected to confirm the signing of Ederson following the summer showpiece in North America, and have also been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Kephren Thuram having missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
Alex Scott is another midfield target for United, though Bournemouth are adamant that the 22-year-old is not for sale.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are also said to be monitoring the Cherries star, who has two years left to run on his current deal at the Vitality Stadium.
Newcastle also want Santos
Michael Carrick’s side are not the only team interested in Santos, with Premier League rivals Newcastle also believed to be monitoring the Chelsea man.
The Magpies are expected to confirm Sandro Tonali’s exit before long as the Italy international closes in on a record-breaking move to Tottenham.
