Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos in a deal worth up to £50 million.
The transfer gathered pace after United registered their interest over the weekend, with both clubs quickly agreeing on the structure of the move ahead of the new season.
United strengthen midfield options with Santos move
Under the agreement, United will pay an initial £48 million, with a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons. Chelsea have also secured a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal.
Santos has now been given permission to undergo a medical before completing the transfer to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old is expected to become United’s first major midfield signing of the summer as the club looks to rebuild following the departure of Casemiro at the end of his contract.
United’s need for reinforcements increased after Manuel Ugarte suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury that is expected to keep the Uruguay international out for an extended period.
Santos move follows missed transfer targets
Manchester United explored moves for several midfielders before reaching an agreement for Santos.
The club’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson ended after it became clear a deal would cost more than £110 million.
United also targeted West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but Tottenham secured his signature after submitting a guaranteed £85 million offer.
With Kobbie Mainoo still away on World Cup duty with England, United faced beginning pre-season with limited senior midfield options.
Michael Carrick’s side are scheduled to return to training this week before opening their pre-season programme against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18.
Santos is expected to join Brazilian teammate Ederson, who is also set for a medical ahead of a proposed £35 million move from Atalanta following Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup.
Chelsea’s decision to sell Santos continues a busy summer of departures at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian midfielder becomes the club’s third major exit after Marc Cucurella completed a move to Real Madrid and Tyrique George joined Everton.
