Man United explore surprise move for Chelsea star Andrey Santos after conceding to Tottenham in race for £85m Mateus Fernandes – as Brazilian joins long list of midfield targets

Manchester United are exploring a move for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos as they continue to weigh up a number of potential midfield targets.

It’s understood that United’s interest is in its early stages, but they are aware that Santos might be available after falling behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old Brazilian has had loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg since signing from Vasco da Gama for £18million three years ago. Chelsea are believed to value him at around £50million, although it’s unlikely United would be willing to pay that much.

They have already agreed a £39million deal with Atalanta for Brazil international Ederson, and remain keen on Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The Cherries are reluctant to sell Scott and would demand around £80million for him.

Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Scott’s Bournemouth teammate Tyler Adams are among the other names who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

United have prioritised strengthening their midfield in this transfer window after Casemiro left as a free agent at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury playing for Uruguay at the World Cup. Ugarte would probably have left the club had he not been facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes were both high on United’s list, but Anderson is set to complete a £116million move to Manchester City after the World Cup and Fernandes has joined Tottenham from West Ham for £85million.

Both were club record transfers, underlining the competitive nature of the market this summer as many top Premier League clubs focus on midfield.